On the 46th anniversary of its establishment, UNIFIL leadership renewed "calls for all parties to lay down their arms, recommit to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and work towards a political and diplomatic solution." UNIFIL Head and Force Commander General Aruldo Latharo stated: "Resolution 1701 has faced challenges due to ongoing events, but it remains as important and necessary as ever. We urge all parties to fully comply with the resolution. Our peacekeepers, numbering over 10,000 soldiers, continue their important work in monitoring, de-escalation, and engagement, and we are ready to support achieving a peaceful resolution to the current crisis."
Latharo continued: "The sacrifice of those who lost their lives here was not in vain, and our efforts today, in these extremely difficult circumstances, serve as a tribute to their memory. Their sacrifices motivate us to continue our work towards short-term de-escalation and long-term peace." He praised the work of "more than 10,000 peacekeepers from 49 countries, who, alongside their civilian colleagues, have maintained their course in monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in southern Lebanon, upheld a high operational tempo, ensured visible presence, and continued to assist local communities."
The statement noted that "the mission did not hold its annual ceremony at its headquarters in Naqoura today, as peacekeepers focus on fulfilling their mandate amidst ceasefire violations and breaches of Resolution 1701 along the Blue Line." However, General Latharo paid tribute to "the civilian and military peacekeepers who have served with the mission over the years, including more than 330 individuals who lost their lives while serving for peace." It is worth noting that the United Nations Security Council established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, under resolutions 425 and 426 on March 19, 1978, and the mission's mandate was expanded under Resolution 1701 following the 2006 war.
