The risk of a regional escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas remains "significant," the head of the UN peacekeeping forces warned on Friday, cautioning against the perception that the involved parties will avoid crossing certain lines.
A UNIFIL logistical convoy departed from Naqoura © Pasqual Gorriz (UN)
The risk of a regional escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas remains "significant," the head of the UN peacekeeping forces warned on Friday, cautioning against the perception that the involved parties will avoid crossing certain lines.
“Some may feel that there are rules which none of the parties want to break, and that, consequently, we are in a more stable situation than it seems,” explained Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, during a press conference in Brussels. However, he stressed that "there remains a very significant risk of escalation at the regional level" and warned, "We are still in a very, very dangerous situation."
UNIFIL's Limited Impact in Southern Lebanon
The UN forces deployed in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) have faced criticism for their inability to effectively prevent Hezbollah's attacks against Israel. Despite a 2006 UN resolution aimed at pushing Hezbollah militants 30 kilometers away from the border, this mandate has never been fully implemented.
Today, Southern Lebanon has reportedly become a vast depot of weapons and a command center for Hezbollah, challenging the peacekeeping force's mandate and highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region. The situation underscores the UN’s limited ability to enforce peace and security in an area increasingly dominated by armed factions.
By Francois Khoury
Iran's foreign minister said that Tehran was open to diplomacy to solve disputes but not "threats and pressure", state media reported on Saturday, after the U.S. and three European powers imposed sanctions against the country's aviation sector.
Despite the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, daily life in Tel Aviv and other major Israeli cities remains surprisingly vibrant. While the country faces economic challenges, major development projects continue unabated, and the nightlife is as lively as ever.
S&P Global Ratings revised Saudi Arabia's forecast to positive from stable on Friday, citing strong non-oil growth outlook and economic resilience.
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