Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 16, 2026 Peace and security
UN peacekeeping operations in the Middle East are facing growing security threats, financial difficulties, and political uncertainty, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said on Friday.
Speaking to journalists via video link from Jeddah after an extended visit to the region, Lacroix reported an increase in the number of dangerous incidents involving peacekeepers and emphasized the precarious conditions in which missions operate. He added that despite the increasingly challenging situation on the ground, UN peacekeepers continue to carry out their duties.
Speaking about the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Lacroix emphasized that the mission will continue its work until at least the end of December 2026.
UNIFIL remains focused on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and facilitating the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in 2006, he said.
He also welcomed recent government announcements of progress in establishing operational control in the south of the country, while acknowledging that "much remains to be done."
Growing danger
At the same time, Lacroix expressed serious concern about the increasing number of incidents affecting UN peacekeepers, especially those involving the Israel Defense Forces.
"The frequency of these incidents has been quite high – and it continues to increase," he said, warning that several clashes "could have led to extremely tragic consequences" for peacekeepers.
He said he had raised the issue with Israeli officials, stressing that "no one is interested in putting the lives of peacekeepers at risk" and reminding all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety of UN personnel.
Lacroix also described the widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, where entire villages have been devastated and civilians are still unable to return to their homes. He said this undermines the region's prospects for recovery and reconstruction.
Financial problems and adaptation
Beyond security threats, Lacroix highlighted the impact of funding shortfalls on peacekeeping operations. He noted that UNIFIL and other missions were forced to implement cost-cutting plans due to late payment of contributions by some UN member states.
He also praised the peacekeepers' ability to adapt to challenging conditions, saying they had managed to "mitigate the impact" of financial constraints through innovative solutions and operational adjustments.
Syria and Regional Dynamics
Speaking about the situation in Syria, Lacroix said that the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) continues to carry out its mandate with the active support of both the Security Council and the Syrian authorities.
However, he noted that the situation on the ground had changed significantly since Israeli troops took up positions in the separation zone defined by the 1974 agreement.
"We would like to return to a situation where UNDOF was the only military contingent in the zone of separation," Lacroix said, calling recent US-brokered talks between Israel and Syria "positive."
He also stressed the importance of UN mine action in Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories as a whole, saying the needs were "enormous" and calling for increased donor support.
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