United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in southern Lebanon remain stationed at their posts, despite Israel's request for their relocation, according to Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN peacekeeping chief. Lacroix emphasized on Thursday that these peacekeepers are the only communication link between the militaries of Israel and Lebanon.

"Peacekeepers are doing their best to fulfill their Security Council mandate under very difficult conditions," Lacroix told reporters, noting that contingency plans are in place for both positive and negative developments.

The UN mission, known as UNIFIL, is tasked by the Security Council with assisting the Lebanese army in maintaining an area free of weapons and armed personnel, apart from those belonging to the Lebanese state. This has led to tensions with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group that holds significant control over southern Lebanon.

Earlier this week, Israel's military requested that UNIFIL prepare to relocate more than 5 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border, also known as the Blue Line, citing safety concerns. A message seen by Reuters stated the move should happen "as soon as possible."

However, Lacroix confirmed that all peacekeepers remain at their current positions. "The parties have an obligation to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, and I want to stress that," he said.

UNIFIL continues to serve as the sole communication channel between Israel and Lebanon, working to protect civilians and support the movement of people and humanitarian aid, Lacroix added.

The peacekeeping mission operates between the Litani River in the north and the Blue Line in the south, comprising over 10,000 troops from 50 countries, along with around 800 civilian staff, according to its website.

Meanwhile, Israel's military called for the immediate evacuation of more than 20 towns in southern Lebanon on Thursday as it escalated its cross-border operations and targeted Hezbollah positions in a Beirut suburb.