By Noor Bakthtiar Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers stationed in Meiss ej Jebel, Lebanon, are experiencing severe supply shortages, including a critical lack of water, after weeks of logistical challenges exacerbated by escalating military activities along the Blue Line.
In a post shared on X on Sunday, UNIFIL stated that the situation at the position had reached a crisis point, as it has not received supplies since September 29 due to blocked roads and ongoing hostilities.
"Yesterday (Saturday), peacekeepers in Meiss ej Jebel ran out of water after weeks without resupply, Access to positions near the Blue Line has been tough.
"While most positions have enough food and water for over 10 days, this one has not received supplies since September 29, due to blocked roads," it said.
According to UNIFIL, after extensive coordination and securing a brief window of calm, essential supplies— including food, water, and medical provisions — were successfully delivered to the outpost, restoring the peacekeepers' capacity to operate.
"After delays caused by clearing the roads due to active fighting and warnings from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) of military activities, the position was finally resupplied last night with food, water and essentials, allowing our peacekeepers to continue their work," it said.
UNIFIL's mission, established in 1978, is one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping operations, with over 10,000 military personnel currently deployed.
The latest challenges come as tensions have surged in the region, partly fuelled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its reverberations across the Middle East.
On Friday, a spokesperson for UNIFIL confirmed that forces operating in southern Lebanon have been targeted multiple times, with five of these attacks described as "deliberate".
Malaysia also has personnel in the peacekeeping force, with the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-11 stationed in Tibnin and Marakah, according to a recent statement from Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry.
-- BERNAMA
