The United Nations peacekeeping force for Lebanon (UNIFIL) said it would not leave southern Lebanon despite Israeli requests to relocate on Saturday. The United Nations Security Force in Lebanon said that after the Israeli army (IDF) revealed its plans to attack Lebanon on September 30, they requested to be transferred from some locations.
The security forces have stated that despite the Israeli request, the peacekeeping forces will be available at all locations and will continue to fly the UN flag with peacekeeping initiatives. At the same time, it is said that contingency plans are being prepared if necessary, indicating that they will regularly adjust their currency and activities.
Israel has intensified its campaign against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah since September 23, in which more than 1,110 people have been killed and millions have been displaced. Israel announced that it would start attacking southern Lebanon earlier this week. UNIFIL has urged Lebanon and Israel to recommit to a lasting peace in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1701.
In 2006, UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah, provided for the deployment of the Lebanese Army and UN peacekeeping forces in South Lebanon.
