Lebanese president warns UNIFIL withdrawal would end international oversight of Israeli actions

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has warned that the withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) would mean the absence of any international oversight of Israeli attacks.

Aoun told Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, that Lebanon is committed to maintaining the UNIFIL force, in recognition of its role and the sacrifices of its personnel.

In a statement released by the Lebanese presidency on Wednesday, Aoun stressed that the ongoing Israeli attacks and occupation of southern villages and towns make UNIFIL's presence crucial. He added that its withdrawal would create a security vacuum and deprive the region of international monitoring.