KUALA LUMPUR: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) stationed in Meiss ej Jebel is currently facing a critical shortage of supplies, including water, due to worsening logistical challenges caused by increased military activity along the Blue Line.
In a post on the X platform on Sunday, Unifil stated that the situation in the area has reached a crisis level as supplies have not been delivered since Sept 29 due to roadblocks and ongoing clashes.
“Yesterday (Saturday), the peacekeeping forces in Meiss ej Jebel ran out of water after weeks without resupply. Access to the posts near the Blue Line is extremely challenging,” according to the statement.
Most Unifil posts have sufficient food and water supplies for more than 10 days, but the post in Meiss ej Jebel has not received any supplies since the end of September due to blocked roads.
After overcoming obstacles such as clearing roads affected by active clashes and warnings from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) about military activities, the post was finally resupplied with food, water, and essential items, enabling the peacekeepers to continue their duties, according to Unifil.
Established in 1978, Unifil is one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping missions, with over 10,000 military personnel stationed in Lebanon.
This challenge arises amid escalating tensions in the region, partly triggered by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which is impacting the entire Middle East.
On Friday, a Unifil spokesperson confirmed that their forces in southern Lebanon had been attacked several times, with five incidents classified as deliberate assaults.
Malaysia is also part of this peacekeeping mission through the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-11, stationed in Tibnin and Marakah, according to the latest statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
