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Security Council debate spotlights calls to enforce UNIFIL after alleged attacks near UN positions
Summary
A speaker at the Security Council urged stronger enforcement of UNIFIL’s mandate, blamed Hezbollah for rocket attacks launched near UN bases and called on Lebanon to confront Hezbollah; subsequent questions focused on West Bank evacuations and humanitarian access in Gaza.
Speaker 1 told the Security Council the body had convened to renew UNIFIL’s mandate and argued the force "fails miserably" to meet its objectives. He cited a July 27 attack in Majid Al Shams that he said killed "12 innocent children" and attributed the attack to Hezbollah using "Iranian made missiles." He said "Hezbollah violations of resolution 17 o 1 have gone unchecked."
Speaker 1 alleged Hezbollah places rocket launchers within meters of UNIFIL bases and said he can show photographs in the Council showing launch sites "100 meters from the base" and, in other examples, "70 meters" from UN positions. He warned that the proximity of launch sites to UN facilities complicates responses and that the situation "cannot and will not continue."
He appealed to the Lebanese people and government "to confront Hezbollah today," saying that if they do not act "your country is dragged into chaos and destruction." He added that "Israel does not seek war" but "will not hesitate to defend our people." Speaker 1 called on the Council to "finally enforce" Resolution 1701 and to recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Pastor Gabriel Sander, speaking from Syria, asked Speaker 1 about recent Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank and referenced a social media post by "Minister Katz" calling for temporary evacuation of Palestinians. Speaker 1 denied plans to evacuate Palestinians and said Israeli operations are intended to prevent "terror activities" where threats are identified.
No formal vote or decision on UNIFIL’s mandate was recorded in the transcript provided. The session included multiple claims, images offered as evidence by Speaker 1, and direct appeals for tougher enforcement of existing Security Council resolutions.
