UNIFIL humanitarian efforts strengthened

With reduced violence in South Lebanon, UNIFIL peacekeepers can operate more freely and expand their activities on the ground. In a symbolic gesture of support and solidarity, the UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander has donated various essential supplies, and has engaged with community members, including mayors and local residents, discussing their needs and strengthening trust and cooperation. Major General Diodato Abagnara: UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander: Today is one important day for us, for UNIFIL, for Lebanese people, because supporting people is another way to create best conditions for peace. And when I arrived here in Ma’arakah, I feel that these people, they need peace, they need stability, they deserve stability. And so, for this reason, we have to work all together for stability and for peace to give to their sons and girls the best future. In the villages of Ma’arkah, Tayr Felsay, Toura, Hallousiyah, Yanuh, and Jinata, UNIFIL distributed over 800 hygiene kits, positively benefiting more than 4,000 residents affected by hostilities. These kits, containing essential hygiene and cleaning supplies designed to support a family of five for about a month, were customized through consultations with local women to better address community needs. This initiative fostered not only vital aid but also meaningful community dialogue, strengthening bonds and trust within these neighborhoods. Adel Saad – Mayor of Ma'rakah: This project was originally scheduled for implementation during the war. We are grateful to the UNIFIL Force Commander for insisting that it be completed, ensuring that UNIFIL stands by the people. These are hygiene supplies—initiatives like this are familiar to us. We are now distributing them in the post-war period. However, the major concern weighing on the villages of the South stems from the decision to end UNIFIL’s operations in the region; the force represents the sole source of reassurance for the local population, instilling a sense of peace and security that allows them to remain at ease. Ali Jaber – Mayor of Yanuh: In Yanuh, there are approximately 300 families; about 75 of them remained there during the war. Today, they are being provided with cleaning supplies and—naturally—foodstuffs. Most importantly, patrols were constantly present throughout the conflict. The local people appreciated their presence and felt reassured by it. There is talk now about ending the UNIFIL mission, but I hope they continue to stay; their presence brings comfort, and people pin great hopes on them. UNIFIL Malbatt Commander – Col. Mohd Rizal: This event remarks a big gratitude from UNIFIL to these locals and this effort we hope can ease some relief to the locals especially in this time of conflict. So, in the future we wish for the people of Ma’arakah, for the people of southern Lebanon a peace will come, and we will make sure we will do a good and try our best effort to achieve that. UNIFIL’s efforts continue to be a beacon of hope for these communities, fostering resilience and trust. As peace efforts persist, the presence of UNIFIL has been vital for creating conditions for lasting stability in the region.