France proposes deployment of UN peacekeepers to areas vacated by Israel in Lebanon

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - France has proposed the deployment of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to areas vacated by Israel under the current ceasefire agreement as Israel continues its withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Israel’s ongoing withdrawal was described as an “important” step in implementing the commitments under the ceasefire agreement signed last November, the French Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

The statement stressed that Israeli forces are still present in five different locations within Lebanese territory and should withdraw completely, suggesting that UNIFIL could be stationed in these areas.

"UNIFIL, including the French contingent, could deploy to these five positions in the immediate vicinity of the Blue Line to replace the Israeli armed forces and guarantee the security of the populations there," the statement read.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 mandates a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel and establishes a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line, a de facto border, and the Litani River, with exceptions for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL peacekeeping forces.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since Nov. 27, ending months of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict last September.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has still committed nearly 1,000 violations, killing and injuring dozens in Lebanon, including women and children.