العربية
United Nations peacekeepers temporarily suspended patrols and several operational activities along parts of the Blue Line in southern Lebanon after the Israeli military announced it would release what it described as a non-toxic chemical substance near the frontier.
According to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the incident occurred north of the Blue Line on Sunday morning, leading to the suspension of more than a dozen peacekeeping activities for over nine hours.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) advised peacekeepers to stay clear of the area during the operation.
Toxicology tests underway
Peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) assisted the Lebanese Armed Forces in collecting samples of the substance for toxicological analysis.
As of Monday afternoon, results of the tests had not yet been released.
The incident has raised concerns not only about troop safety but also about potential risks to:
- Civilians living near the frontier
- Agricultural land
- Long-term efforts to stabilize border communities
What is the Blue Line?
The Blue Line stretches roughly 120 kilometres along Lebanon’s southern border. It was established by the United Nations in 2000 as a “line of withdrawal” to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
It is not an internationally recognized border, but it serves as a key reference point for maintaining calm between Lebanon and Israel.
UN officials reiterated concerns about flight activity across the Blue Line, noting that such actions violate United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and defines UNIFIL’s mandate.
Broader security context
Tensions along the Blue Line have remained fragile since renewed cross-border violence erupted following the outbreak of the Gaza war. A cessation of hostilities agreement was signed in November 2024, but sporadic incidents have continued.
UNIFIL emphasized that this was not the first time unknown substances had reportedly been dropped from aircraft over Lebanon. The mission called on the IDF to halt such activities and cooperate with peacekeepers to preserve stability.
“Any activity that may put peacekeepers and civilians at risk is of serious concern,” said Mr. Dujarric.
The UN reiterated its call for all parties to fully comply with Security Council resolution 1701 and to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or endanger civilians.