Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United Nations Security Council to maintain an international peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon to protect civilians amid continued violence, displacement and human rights concerns.
The organisation said ending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) without a stronger international force in place could leave millions of Lebanese civilians exposed to further attacks.
UNIFIL’s current mandate is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026, followed by a phased withdrawal. However, HRW argued that the decision was made before the latest escalation of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in March.
According to HRW, Israeli attacks have continued despite a ceasefire declared on April 17. The organisation cited Lebanon’s Ministry of Health as reporting more than 4,333 deaths and over 12,250 injuries from Israeli attacks since hostilities escalated on March 2.
HRW urged the Security Council to extend UNIFIL’s mandate beyond 2026 until the security situation improves sufficiently to allow a safe reduction of international forces.
The organisation also said any future international presence in Lebanon should prioritise civilian protection, monitor human rights violations and report violations of international humanitarian law by all parties.
UNIFIL currently has nearly 7,500 peacekeepers from 47 countries. France, Italy and Spain have proposed forming a multinational force that could take over after UNIFIL’s withdrawal.
HRW warned that removing UNIFIL without an effective replacement could create a security vacuum and expose Lebanese civilians to further abuses.
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