Netherlands wants UN peacekeepers in Lebanon beyond December deadline

The Netherlands is advocating for UN peacekeepers to remain in southern Lebanon beyond their mandated end date of December 31, according to Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma. Sjoerdsma expressed hope that international discussions, in which the Netherlands could play a key role, would result in an extension of the UN peacekeeping force, Unifil.

He emphasized the importance of Unifil to Lebanon's stability, describing the extension as a top priority. Unifil, which has been present in Lebanon for 47 years, is set to commence a year-long withdrawal following the UN Security Council's decision last year. Israeli forces remain in approximately seven percent of Lebanon, and Israel has accused Unifil of failing to curb Hezbollah's military presence in the region.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has also called for the extension of Unifil's presence. Dutch officials have criticized Israel's continued aggression, including strikes on civilians, journalists, and aid workers. Diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel have thus far been unsuccessful. Sjoerdsma announced €500,000 in funding for the UN Human Rights Office to support evidence collection.