ABDALLAH BOUHABIB, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon, stressing that his country is in a crisis that is threatening its very existence, said “this is a situation that requires international intervention on an urgent basis.”  Without such action, the crisis will “transform into a black hole that will engulf regional and international peace and security,” he said, welcoming the initiative launched by the United States and France that offers the possibility of long-term calm, restoration of stability along the border as well as the return of displaced persons.  “What we are currently experiencing in Lebanon is the consequence of the absence of a lasting and sustainable solution,” he pointed out, adding that the root cause is the occupation.  “To claim anything else would be a loss of time,” he said, underscoring that as long as the occupation persists, there will be instability and war.

Despite the inability of the United Nations to protect his country from the Israeli aggression so far, he said, Lebanon is committed to the Organization “as a front line of defence in the face of occupation, violence, devastation and oppression”.  “Today we desperately need the United Nations to play its role as a refuge for small countries that have been victimized by aggression.  These countries include my homeland,” he said, emphasizing that Lebanon has demonstrated its ability to be a reliable partner in consensus-building.  Recalling October 2022, when the maritime borders between Lebanon and Israel were delimited, he added that his country has also proposed an integrated framework to achieve lasting peace along its southern border.  Reiterating the call for a ceasefire on all fronts, he highlighted Council resolution 1701 (2006), which established a relative degree of stability in the south of Lebanon since the end of the 2006 war until 7 October 2023.  Calling on the international community to support his country in reinforcing its army, he reminded delegates that the text underscores that Lebanon’s Government should have full control of that part of the country.

Despite the economic crisis that has been plaguing Lebanon, he pointed out, his Government has deployed 100,000 additional soldiers to the south of the country.  This is a clear political message:  Lebanon fully intends to implement resolution 1701 (2006), he said, adding:  “Even at the worst times, we are not standing idly by; we are mobilizing our efforts at the highest level to protect our people.” The text emphasizes the internationally recognized borders of Lebanon.  Highlighting the role of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), he said it has significantly contributed to stability and peace in the region.  Expressing concern about Israel’s systematic destruction of Lebanese border villages, he said it is setting fire to agricultural lands with white phosphorus, thereby rendering these lands unusable for many years.

Condemning the detestable, repugnant transformation of telecommunications devices into ticking time bombs claiming the lives of dozens, including children and women, he said thousands have been wounded, hundreds of whom are in critical condition, in addition to hundreds who were disfigured and maimed.  The Israeli occupying Power is attempting to extend the war, he said, adding that the return of displaced Israelis cannot be achieved by bombarding Lebanese people.  The shortest path for their return is a comprehensive, immediate ceasefire.  “Has Israel not had enough of the endless wars since 1948 … Will Israel not embrace the path of peace?” he asked.  Council resolution 1701 (2006) is Lebanon’s primary line of defence, he said, stressing that it is not merely a document, it is a commitment on the part of the international community to safeguard regional peace and it is the best tool to break this cycle of violence.  Once again reiterating support for the United States-French initiative, he called on the United Nations to generate momentum towards ending this crisis.