The 43rd Lebanon Brigade (BRILIB XLIII) donates medical supplies and protective equipment to the Marjayoun Governmental Hospital

The goods were provided by various entities from the Canary Islands and transported to Lebanon by the maritime transport units of the Spanish Ministry of Defence

The 43rd Lebanon Brigade (BRILIB XLIII) of UNIFIL’s Sector East has donated medical supplies and protective equipment to the public hospital in Marjayoun.

At the ceremony, held at the hospital, the Spanish Blue Helmets, led by Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Emmanuele Pessenda García, head of the Spanish Battalion (SPANBATT), handed over this aid to a representative of the Lebanese hospital’s management, who expressed his gratitude to UNIFIL and Spain for their valuable support.

For Lieutenant Colonel Pessenda, ‘this donation provides essential resources that will directly benefit patients, as well as contributing to the healthcare system in the region. It also reflects the value of international cooperation and our strong commitment to the well-being of communities in southern Lebanon. We will continue to work jointly with the Lebanese people to bring the fulfillment of our mandate to its fullest extent’.

For General Ricardo Esteban Cabrejos, head of UNIFIL’s Sector East and BRILIB XLIII Spanish brigade, ‘this donation is a crystal-clear demonstration of UNIFIL’s commitment to the Lebanese population. Through cooperation and solidarity, we build bridges of trust and contribute to the development and stability of this region.'

On this occasion, all the donated products were provided by various entities of the Canary Islands, including Canarias Medical Product, S.L., Clínica San Roque, S.A. and Publiservic Canarias S.L.U. They were transported to this region from the Canary Islands by the maritime transport unit of the Spanish Ministry of Defence. This collaboration between civil and military institutions highlights the importance of international cooperation and commitment to collective well-being.

The Sector East of UNIFIL, under the mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (S/RES/1701/2006), continues to strengthen ties with local communities. Indeed, UNIFIL’s presence does not only guarantee security but it also promotes social development through concrete actions of support and cooperation, at a time when, after the recent clashes in southern Lebanon, is of particular need.

Spain’s mission in UNIFIL

The Spanish Armed Forces deployed to Lebanon in September 2006. The main body of the Spanish contingent is stationed at the ‘Miguel de Cervantes’ Base, near the town of Marjayoun, where the Spain-led headquarters of UNIFIL’s Sector East is located. Also, Spanish troops are present at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura.

Nowadays, over 650 Spanish military personnel are deployed in UNIFIL, with the aim of ensuring compliance with United Nations Resolution 1701 (S/RES/1701/2006) where a very unstable security situation is encountered, despite the ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon in November 2024. 

Spain's participation in the United Nations mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been consolidated over the years as a firm demonstration of its commitment to peace, security and well-being in the region. In addition to its military duties, the Spanish contingent has developed numerous civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) activities, which have strengthened ties with the local population.