UN extends Lebanon peacekeeping force's mandate

The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon for a year, calling for a "de-escalation" of a recent surge in violence between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah.

A unanimously adopted resolution said the council decides to extend the present mandate of UNIFIL until 31st August 2025, referring to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. With more than 10,000 personnel, the peacekeeping force has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978, with its role strengthened after a 33-day conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.