UN Deputy Secretary-General: Do Not Expect Peacekeepers to Intervene in Gaza

The UN Deputy Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations rejected recent calls for the intervention and involvement of the organization's peacekeeping forces in Gaza during an interview with AFP on Thursday. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, referring to the inherent limitations of the so-called 'blue helmets,' stated that the world cannot view UN peacekeepers as a means to stop wars, whether in Gaza or other conflict zones. Last Thursday, Arab League leaders, after their meeting in Manama, Bahrain's capital, issued a statement calling for the deployment of UN peacekeepers to Palestinian territories and the holding of an 'international peace conference.' Lacroix emphasized that all essential conditions for such action are not present: 'A ceasefire, agreement from the conflicting parties to accept UN soldiers, and a Security Council mandate that is deeply divided.' He further clarified that 'peacekeeping has its limitations,' and 'imposing peace' is not part of the UN's mission. UN peacekeeping missions, especially during deployments in Africa, have faced criticism for failing to take adequate measures to protect against armed extremists. It is noteworthy that May 29, next Wednesday, is the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, known as the blue helmets. The UN has resumed humanitarian aid to Gaza through the American dock. Heavy fighting continues in southern Gaza; Israeli forces are advancing in Rafah. The World Health Organization's Director-General described the situation in Gaza as 'beyond catastrophic.' UNRWA reports that 800,000 people have been displaced since the start of Israel's military operations in Rafah. Israel states that the UN Security Council has yet to take action for the release of hostages in Gaza.