LEBANON, SEATIZENS – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations (UN) to help maintain stability along the volatile Lebanon-Israel border. Formed by the UN Security Council in 1978, UNIFIL’s creation came in response to escalating tensions in the region.
The Origins of UNIFIL
The situation that led to the creation of UNIFIL began on March 11, 1978, when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) launched a major attack near the Lebanon-Israel border, resulting in thousands of casualties. In retaliation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a military operation against the PLO in Lebanon from March 14 to 15, 1978. During this operation, Israel attempted to occupy large portions of Lebanon, sparing only the city of Tyre.
In response to the Israeli assault, the Lebanese government formally protested to the UN Security Council, asserting that Israeli military actions targeted civilians rather than the PLO. As a result, the UN Security Council passed a resolution on March 19, 1978, urging Israel to halt its military activities.
On March 23, 1978, the UN established UNIFIL to help de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Lebanon and provide a peacekeeping force to maintain stability along the border.
UNIFIL’s Current Operations and Forces
As of today, UNIFIL operates with a total of 10,541 personnel, including 9,532 military troops, 802 civilian staff members, and 202 additional employees.UNIFIL comprises over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries. Additionally, there are approximately 13,000 individuals associated with the mission, including personnel from various UN-affiliated nations, local populations, and other international sources.
Countries contributing troops to UNIFIL include Indonesia, India, Ghana, Nepal, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, France, China, and Ireland. Indonesia is the largest troop-contributing nation, with 1,234 personnel deployed to the mission, followed by India with 895 and Ghana with 875 personnel.
Financial and Operational Support
UNIFIL receives direct financial support from the UN to cover operational expenses, which includes providing necessary equipment and weapons for its personnel. This support ensures that UNIFIL can continue its peacekeeping duties along the Lebanon-Israel border effectively. Over the years, the mission has played a crucial role in maintaining relative peace in the region, despite the complex and often tense dynamics between the two neighboring countries.
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UNIFIL remains a vital component of international efforts to prevent further conflict and promote peace in the region.
(Mars)
