UN: The Lebanese-Israeli Armistice Agreement Has Not Been Completely Implemented

JAKARTA - The United Nations (UN) stated that the ceasefire agreement agreed on November 27, 2024 between Lebanon and Israel still leaves a number of provisions that have not been implemented properly. Until the specified deadline, the implementation of the agreement is considered not fully fulfilled.

One of the points in the spotlight is the presence of Israeli military forces in the southern Lebanese region. In fact, the 60-day deadline for troop withdrawals has ended on Sunday. In the latest incident, three Lebanese were killed and 44 others injured by Israeli troop fire as they tried to return to their hometowns along the area known as the Blue Line.

The timeframe regulated in the November Agreement was not fulfilled, said the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, along with the UNIFIL Mission Chief and Troop Commander, Lieutenant General Aroldo Lazaro, in a joint statement.

According to the United Nations, conditions in the field still do not allow residents who evacuate to return to their villages safely. The UN also warned residents to remain vigilant amid a long recovery and reconstruction process. In addition, violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) continue to occur every day.

"The full compliance of Israel and Lebanon with their obligations, as well as the implementation of the total Resolution 1701, is the only way to close the dark half of this conflict and open a new era that brings security, stability, and prosperity on both sides of the Blue Line," the United Nations said in a statement.

The United Nations also affirms its commitment to continuing to communicate with all parties to achieve the full implementation of the resolution and supports every step in line with the peace efforts that have been agreed upon in the November Agreement.

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect on November 27, has ended the armed conflict that took place since October 8, 2023. The conflict peaked on September 23, 2024, with a massive escalation between Israel and the Hezbollah group. Under a ceasefire agreement, Israel is required to gradually withdraw its troops south of the Blue Line, which serves as a de facto border. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army was assigned to take over surveillance of the southern region within 60 days.

However, the implementation of this agreement is slow. Tensions at the border continue, and violations of the agreement between the two sides are still being recorded.

Data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health reveals the huge impact of conflict on civilians. Since the Israeli attack began on October 8, 2023, at least 4,068 people have died, including women, children, and health workers. Meanwhile, 16,670 others were reported injured.

The United Nations hopes that all parties can comply with the agreed commitments to create sustainable peace, protect the lives of civilians, and ensure stability in the region. International support is expected to accelerate the overall implementation of the ceasefire process.