Press Release

Joint Statement of UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro

08 October 2024

  • Beirut,8 October 2024: One year since near-daily exchanges of fire commenced across the Blue Line, initiated by Hizbullah propelling rockets into Shab‘a Farms, in violation of the cessation of hostilities and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). 

One year in which far too many lives have been lost, uprooted, and devastated, while civilians on both sides of the Blue Line are left wanting for security and stability. One year in which our repeated appeals for restraint, the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law, a return to the cessation of hostilities, and a political process anchored in the implementation of 1701 have gone unheeded.  

Today, one year later, the near-daily exchanges of fire have escalated into a relentless military campaign whose humanitarian impact is nothing short of catastrophic. With constant Israeli bombardment now part and parcel of daily life in Lebanon, and Hizbullah launching rocket and missile barrages at Israel, far too many people are paying an unimaginable price – with many killed, many more wounded, and hundreds of thousands displaced. 

To state the obvious: every missile or rocket launched, bomb dropped, and ground raid conducted pulls the parties further away from the vision set forth in resolution 1701 (2006), as well as from the conditions necessary for the enduring security of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line. What is also clear is that further violence and destruction will neither solve the underlying issues nor make anyone safer in the long run. Quite the opposite. A negotiated solution is the only pathway to restore the security and stability that civilians on both sides so desperately want and deserve. The time to act accordingly is now.

 

 

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

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.

Major General Diodato Abagnara

Major General Diodato Abagnara

UNIFIL
Head of Mission and Force Commander
Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy was appointed Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL on 24 June 2025. He brings over 30 years of military leadership, including key roles with UNIFIL, NATO, and the Italian Army. He previously served as Commander of UNIFIL Sector West and led multinational coordination for Lebanon. Domestically, he held senior posts including Personnel Division Chief and Adviser to the Chief of Defence Staff. He has championed inclusive leadership and chaired Italy’s Joint Gender Perspective Council. He holds advanced degrees in Political Science, Law, and Strategic Studies, and speaks Italian and English fluently.

UN entities involved in this initiative

UNIFIL
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
UNSCOL
Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon

Goals we are supporting through this initiative