In response to the escalating tensions in southern Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has instructed the families of its personnel to leave the country.

This directive, described as a “temporary measure,” was confirmed by UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti in an interview with the Italian news agency ANSA on Wednesday.

The directive to UNIFIL families is a continuation of measures initially imposed in May when the mission was reclassified as a “non-family duty station” due to rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel.

“Many families have already left, though some remained in Beirut where the situation was relatively calmer,” Tenenti stated. “The latest directive now includes these families as well, although this is only a temporary measure expected to last at least until the end of August.”

Tenenti clarified that the move should not be regarded as an “evacuation” but rather as a “relocation.”