UN peacekeeping chief warns of escalation threat, as Lebanon seeks UN buffer after UNIFIL departs

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations warned on Friday of an escalating threat of conflict in Lebanon. The statement follows reports that Lebanese leadership is seeking to establish a UN-backed buffer zone between Israeli and Lebanese forces. This request comes as the mandate for the existing UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) nears its expiration. Lebanese officials are advocating for a continued third-party presence to maintain stability along the border region as regional tensions persist.