In response to concerning developments along the Blue Line early on Sunday, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.

“In light of worrying developments across the Blue Line since the early morning, UNSCOL and UNIFIL call on all to cease fire and refrain from further escalatory action,” the statement read. 

The UN bodies stress the importance of returning to a cessation of hostilities, asserting that “a return to the cessation of hostilities, followed by the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, is the only sustainable way forward.”

“We will continue our contacts to strongly urge for de-escalation,” the joint statement noted, assuring ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to prevent further conflict and support the resolution of the current crisis through peaceful means.