UN hails US-sponsored Israel, Lebanon framework as 'milestone' toward lasting stability

The UN on Monday welcomed the US-sponsored trilateral framework between Israel and Lebanon, describing it as a "milestone" in efforts to end decades of conflict and advance lasting stability. Pointing to the latest developments between Israel and Lebanon on the political path, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference that “the trilateral framework between the US, the State of Israel, and the Republic of Lebanon, announced on June 26th, constitutes a milestone in efforts to end decades of conflict and advance lasting stability.” "We continue to underscore the importance of resolving outstanding issues through dialogue to achieve sustainability on both sides of the Blue Line and to ensure sovereignty and security for both Israel and Lebanon," he said. He further stressed that the UN is “committed to supporting Lebanon and Israel to fulfill their obligations towards a long-term solution of the conflict in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1701.” On June 26, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement aimed at facilitating a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and reducing hostilities along the border. Citing the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Dujarric noted that “no launches of projectiles were observed in the mission’s area of operations over the weekend.” He stressed, however, that the Israeli army's kinetic ground activities and air violations above Lebanon continued. "On Saturday, UNIFIL peacekeepers observed two Israeli tanks opening small arms fire towards Al Mansouri in Sector West," he said, adding that UNIFIL personnel experienced Israeli restrictions on their movement. On Sunday, the Israeli army "blocked a UNIFIL explosive ordnance disposal team that was going to dispose of an explosive hazard on the road near Al Bayyadah in Sector West. That caused a temporary halt to the mission," he said. Since March 2, Israel has been waging an offensive on Lebanon that has killed at least 4,246 people, injured 12,190, and displaced more than 1 million people, according to official figures. Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous war between 2023 and 2024. During the current offensive, Israeli forces pushed more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanon.