The Head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its Force Commander, Major General Aroldo Lazzaro, expressed deep concern about the situation in southern Lebanon and the possibility of wider and more intense hostile acts.

This came in a statement today following two meetings he held in Beirut, today Tuesday, with the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri and the caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, ahead of the UN Security Council consultations on Resolution 1701 issued in 2006, scheduled for November 22.

Lazzaro said that UNIFIL's current priorities are to prevent escalation, protect civilians' lives, and ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers who are trying to achieve that.

He considered that Resolution No. 1701 is currently facing a challenge, explaining that its principles related to security, stability, and reaching a long-term solution remain valid.

He affirmed that UNIFIL's neutral role remains highly important to convey crucial messages to reduce tensions and prevent serious misunderstandings, with the aim of avoiding any unjustified escalation.

He added that he thanked President Berri and President Mikati for their efforts to restore stability during these critical days, including through diplomatic channels, as well as for the trust they placed in the liaison mechanisms carried out by UNIFIL to avoid further escalation.

For his part, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri warned against the continuation of Israeli aggression in targeting civilians, media personnel, and paramedics in southern Lebanon, considering that the Israeli aggression has exceeded in its attacks on the depth of southern Lebanon, in addition to its threats to the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Berri considered that Israeli attacks and threats increase the risks of the Israeli war spreading in the region contrary to international and Arab positions calling for adherence to international legitimacy represented by UN Resolution 1701 and the rules of engagement.

Berri praised the efforts made by UNIFIL within the framework of maintaining international legitimacy and implementing UN Resolution 1701. The meeting also reviewed the general situation and the latest field developments in the south.