Beijing: China has urged the United Nations Security Council to reconsider its earlier decision to end the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, as tensions continue to rise along the Lebanon Israel border.
Speaking at the United Nations, China’s ambassador Fu Cong said the current situation on the ground does not support the withdrawal of peacekeeping forces. He warned that the region remains unstable and that the absence of an effective ceasefire makes the presence of international peacekeepers still necessary.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, commonly known as United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, was established in 1978 to monitor hostilities and support peace efforts in southern Lebanon. The Security Council had earlier agreed that the mission would be gradually withdrawn by the end of 2026, following years of relative calm.
However, recent developments have raised fresh concerns. Fighting between Israeli forces and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has intensified in recent months, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The escalation is linked to broader tensions in the region, with Hezbollah launching attacks in support of Iran and Israel responding with heavy air and ground operations.
According to recent reports, thousands of people have been killed in Israeli strikes since March this year, with many civilians caught in the violence. Entire communities in southern Lebanon have been affected, forcing families to flee their homes and raising fears of a deeper humanitarian crisis.
Fu Cong told the council that what currently exists is not a true ceasefire but a temporary reduction in fighting. He stressed that ending the peacekeeping mission under such conditions could create a dangerous security gap and further destabilize the region.
China’s appeal comes as it holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of May. This gives Beijing a stronger voice in shaping discussions around international peace and security issues.
The issue is now expected to be taken up in consultations with UN Secretary General António Guterres, who is set to present recommendations in June on the future of the mission. These discussions are likely to focus on how best to implement Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and laid out steps for maintaining peace in the region.
Meanwhile, UN peacekeeping officials have indicated that even if the current mission ends, there may still be a need for some form of international presence in southern Lebanon to prevent a security vacuum.
China’s position reflects growing concern among several countries that withdrawing peacekeepers at this time could worsen the situation on the ground. Without a stabilizing force, there are fears that clashes could intensify and potentially draw in more actors from across the region.
At the same time, the debate highlights differences within the Security Council, where some members believe the mission has completed its role, while others argue that conditions remain too fragile for a full withdrawal.
As discussions continue in the coming weeks, the future of one of the United Nations’ longest running peacekeeping missions remains uncertain, with the safety of civilians and the stability of the region hanging in the balance.