Peacekeeping: Lacroix warns of increasing threats to ‘blue helmets’ in the Middle East

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, briefing journalists by video link from Jeddah after an extensive visit to the region, said there has been an increase in the number of dangerous incidents involving peacekeepers and the fragile environment in which missions operate.

He added that UN missions continue to fulfill their mandates despite increasingly challenging conditions on the ground.

“There is no mandate in favor of withdrawal,” Mr Lacroix said of the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFILE), emphasizing that the mission will continue to operate under current conditions authorization until the end of December 2026.

UNIFIL, he said, remains focused on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and promoting the implementation of Security Councilresolution 1701which ended hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in 2006.

Mr Lacroix said cooperation with the Lebanese authorities and the LAF remained “excellent”, and welcomed recent government statements on progress in establishing operational control in the south, while recognizing that “there are still some things to be done.”

Increasing danger

At the same time, he expressed serious concern about a growing number of hostile incidents involving UN peacekeepers, especially those involving the Israeli army.

“The frequency of these incidents has been quite high – it has increased,” he said, warning that several encounters “could have had very tragic consequences” for peacekeepers.

He said he had raised the issue with Israeli colleagues and emphasized that “it is in no one’s interest to endanger the lives of peacekeepers,‘ and reminded all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.

Mr Lacroix also described widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, where entire villages and civilians remain unable to return to their homes, undermining prospects for recovery and reconstruction.

Financial pressure and adjustment

In addition to security risks, Mr Lacroix highlighted the impact of funding shortfalls on peacekeeping operations, noting that UNIFIL and other missions have had to implement austerity plans due to delayed or incomplete contributions from some Member States.

He commended peacekeepers for adapting under pressure and said they had “managed to mitigate the impact of financial constraints” through innovation and operational adjustments.

Syria and regional dynamics

On Syria, Mr Lacroix said the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) continues to carry out its mission. mandate with strong support from both the Security Council and the Syrian authorities.

However, he noted that conditions on the ground have changed significantly since Israeli forces took up positions within the separation zone defined by the 1974 Withdrawal Agreement.

Established in May 1974, after the Yom Kippur War, UNDOF has the mandate to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and monitor the areas of separation, as stipulated in the 1974 agreement.

“What we would like is a return to the situation where UNDOF would be the only military presence in the area of ​​separation.Mr. Lacroix said, describing the recent talks between Israel and Syria mediated by the United States as “positive.”

Mining action and wider needs

He also underlined the growing importance of the UN mine action efforts in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories generally, saying the needs were “tremendous” and calling for more donor support.

“We are willing to do more,said Mr Lacroix, emphasizing that additional resources would be crucial to protect civilians and support recovery in conflict-affected areas.