On patrol with UN peacekeepers on the Lebanon-Israel border


Nada Maucourant Atallah
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“Coming up on your right, you will clearly see Metulla in Israel,” says Cpl Guillermo Estudillo Parejo, a member of the UN's peacekeeping force on Lebanon's southern border, in a tone reminiscent of tour guides.

Through the window of the armoured vehicle, partially obstructed by a soldier's rifle, Israel's northernmost town emerges amid vivid green hills.

But Metulla is now deserted, having been one of the prime targets of cross-border fire by the Lebanese militia Hezbollah over the past seven months in a campaign of attacks that the group says is in support of Palestinians facing an Israeli military assault in Gaza.

It is a spring morning, yet the sun beats down fiercely as the armoured vehicle carrying Spanish members of the UN force, Unifil makes its way through the deceptively calm landscape.

“Look to your right, you see that destroyed building. It wasn't in this state last time we were here,” Cpl Parejo says as the patrol reaches Kafr Kila, a town on the border with Israel.

Each passing day, the potential of a wider war in Lebanon is increasing
Andrea Tenenti,
Unifil spokesman

The illusion of a guided tour is short-lived. This is not a tour guide; this is a Unifil patrol in wartime, along the heavily militarised Blue Line that separates Lebanon and Israel.

Kafr Kila has been struck almost every day by the Israeli army since October 8, when Iran-backed Hezbollah initiated a “pressure” front to divert Israel's focus from its Gaza offensive, a day after Hamas' unprecedented attack in southern Israel.

Since then, the daily exchanges of fire have progressively escalated.

The clashes have resulted in the deaths of 399 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but also more than 70 civilians, according to an AFP tally. Israel reports that 14 soldiers and nine civilians have been killed on its side of the border.

The National joined members of the Spanish contingent of the East sector for a day. They are part of about 10,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission tasked with liaising between Israeli and Lebanese authorities to avert a broader conflict.

Peacekeeping in a war zone

  • A soldier of the Spanish contingent of Unifil stands in front of the ensign of his regiment on a Unifil base close to Ghajar on the Blue Line separating Israel from Lebanon in southern Lebanon. All photos: Oliver Marsden for The National
    A soldier of the Spanish contingent of Unifil stands in front of the ensign of his regiment on a Unifil base close to Ghajar on the Blue Line separating Israel from Lebanon in southern Lebanon. All photos: Oliver Marsden for The National
  • The Unifil base
    The Unifil base
  • Unifil soldiers relax in the canteen
    Unifil soldiers relax in the canteen
  • Soldiers exit their UN-marked vehicles
    Soldiers exit their UN-marked vehicles
  • An Israeli missile strikes the town of Khaim, close to the Unifil base
    An Israeli missile strikes the town of Khaim, close to the Unifil base
  • Soldiers service their weapons
    Soldiers service their weapons
  • A soldier stands in front of UN-marked vehicles
    A soldier stands in front of UN-marked vehicles
  • Captain Hector Alonso, 31
    Captain Hector Alonso, 31
  • Colonel Juan Garcia Antonio Martinez, 50
    Colonel Juan Garcia Antonio Martinez, 50
  • A soldier exercises in the gym
    A soldier exercises in the gym
  • A soldier patrols the town of Aadysit Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon
    A soldier patrols the town of Aadysit Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon

Inside their white APC, wearing a military uniform with the distinctive blue helmets of Unifil personnel, the Spanish patrol follows their customary route from the eastern sector checkpoint, where The National met them, to their base in the border town of Ghajar.

Cpl Parejo said they conduct patrols both during the day and at night.

The landscapes roll past, offering a rare glimpse for civilian eyes into the extensive destruction caused by seven months of conflict, such as charred vehicles and houses reduced to rubble. Most towns are deserted, except for the “Christian corridor,” which has been spared from direct fighting.

There were no irregularities to report that morning. Only some flocks of sheep forced the APC to stop in Wazzani, a rural town still populated by a handful of Syrian refugees who continue to work in farming under the threat of shelling.

Back at the base, the UN Position 4-28 in the Ghajar area, which houses 38 members of the Unifil force. Israel lies only a couple of metres away behind a barbed wire fence.

Since 2006, Unifil has been deployed in the south of Lebanon following a truce that stopped Israel's 34-day war with Hezbollah.

“Our mandate has not changed since the conflict started, our role is patrolling, checking the Blue Line, and assisting the Lebanese Army. The difference is that we now need to pay extra attention to the security of our troops,” Col Juan Antonio Garcia Martinez, told The National.

The Unifil co-ordinates with both the Lebanese Army and the Israeli forces to defuse tensions, he said. The peacekeepers are not in contact with Hezbollah.

“We also conduct civilian activities, including meetings with representatives of each village, humanitarian distribution, even providing shelter for families at times,” Capt Hector Alonso, 31, said.

The conversation is interrupted by the sounds of jets and occasional explosions. Suddenly, a large black smoke billows from a hill near Khiam.

“This is another violation of Lebanese airspace that we have to report,” Col Garcia Martinez said. It was later reported that the strike killed three Palestinian fighters.

The active shelling has raised the security level to Level 2. For soldiers, this means they are not allowed to leave the base. Level 3 would require sheltering in the bunker.

“We were told that Lebanon would be a calm mission,” Lt Alexandro García Valle said, discussing with his fellow soldier, Lt Juan Carlo Suarez, waiting for the security notice to be lifted.

They had been preparing for months for the mission, but everything changed after October 7, just a couple of weeks before their deployment to Lebanon. For both soldiers, it is their first time in a conflict zone.

“Now we spend the day and night under the sound of jets and shelling. We've got used to it,” Lt Suarez said.

Averting 'dangerous misunderstanding'

As Gaza ceasefire talks stall between Israel and Hamas, amid Israel's threats to launch a ground invasion of Rafah, where about 1.4 million Palestinians have sought sanctuary, tensions on the Lebanese front have surged.

“Each passing day, the potential of a wider war in Lebanon is increasing,” Andrea Tenenti, Unifil's spokesman told The National back in the headquarters in Beirut.

Over the past seven months, Lebanon has teetered on the brink of a wider conflict as Israel carried out deeper strikes within the country, repeatedly breaching the rules of engagement that tacitly govern clashes between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has also intensified its attacks in recent weeks.

Despite mounting tensions, Unifil continues to carry out 400 activities a day, including patrols and monitoring operations, Mr Tenenti said.

Sceptical voices have questioned the real effect of the peacekeeping mandate amid the daily exchanges of fire.

But Mr Tenenti stressed that Unifil is the only organisation able to talk with both parties and to provide information to the international community, in a bid to avert “dangerous misunderstanding”.

He added that the peacekeeping force is ready to play a role for the day after, and “assist” any proposal that could bring about a ceasefire.

Hezbollah has consistently conditioned a ceasefire in Lebanon to a truce in Gaza. Yet, the outlook for peace remains uncertain with Gaza ceasefire negotiations hitting an impasse.

“I wish I could tell you what will happen, but it is even impossible to predict the next hours,” he said.

Company profile

Name: Thndr

Started: October 2020

Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: FinTech

Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000

Funding stage: series A; $20 million

Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC,  Rabacap and MSA Capital

Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?

The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.

The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.

He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.

He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.

He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
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Afghanistan fixtures
  • v Australia, today
  • v Sri Lanka, Tuesday
  • v New Zealand, Saturday,
  • v South Africa, June 15
  • v England, June 18
  • v India, June 22
  • v Bangladesh, June 24
  • v Pakistan, June 29
  • v West Indies, July 4
Her most famous song

Aghadan Alqak (Would I Ever Find You Again)?

Would I ever find you again
You, the heaven of my love, my yearning and madness;
You, the kiss to my soul, my cheer and
sadness?
Would your lights ever break the night of my eyes again?
Would I ever find you again?
This world is volume and you're the notion,
This world is night and you're the lifetime,
This world is eyes and you're the vision,
This world is sky and you're the moon time,
Have mercy on the heart that belongs to you.

Lyrics: Al Hadi Adam; Composer: Mohammed Abdel Wahab

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

MATCH RESULT

Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2
Jazira:
Mabkhout (52'), Romarinho (77'), Al Hammadi (90' 6)
Persepolis: Alipour (42'), Mensha (84')

Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality  within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Updated: June 14, 2024, 6:06 AM