Press Release

Statement of UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert on security developments in 28 March 2025

28 March 2025

Beirut, 28 March 2025

Today’s exchange of fire across the Blue Line, the second such incident in less than a week, is deeply concerning.

This is a critical period for Lebanon and the wider region. Any exchange of fire is one too many. A return to wider conflict in Lebanon would be devastating for civilians on both sides of the Blue Line and must be avoided at all costs. Restraint from all parties is therefore critically needed.

It is high time to realize the commitments made in the Cessation of Hostilities Understanding of November 2024 and to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), which contains the formula to ending recurrent cycles of violence.

The United Nations remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders in preventing further escalation and making resolution 1701 a reality.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

UNSCOL

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is the current UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon. She brings to this position over 25 years of experience in diplomacy, international security and Middle East affairs. Prior to taking up her position in Lebanon, Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI (2018-2024). Previously she was Minister of Defense of the Netherlands (2012-2017), a member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands (2010-2012), and a member of the European Parliament (2004-2010). Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also worked for the European Commission in Belgium and Latvia, as well as for the City of Amsterdam and in the private sector. She is proficient in English, French and German and is a native Dutch speaker.

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