UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, said that peace in southern Lebanon remains out of reach and that an enduring end to the fighting requires the political will of all parties.

In a statement from UNIFIL on the occasion of World Peace Day on Shahrivar 30, it said: “Today, peace in southern Lebanon is still out of reach, but hope for lasting peace remains.”

Based on the statement, peacekeepers can help restore stability, prevent misunderstandings, and reduce the risk of an escalation of tensions, but they cannot replace political will and the necessary decisions to end the fighting permanently.

Diodato Abagnara, UNIFIL’s commander, said at a ceremony at the force’s headquarters in Naqoura that peace is not something that one can “deal with once a year,” but rather a “sustained responsibility.” He added that UNIFIL will continue its work, keep channels of communication open, and support diplomatic efforts.