Spanish peacekeepers deliver a donation of toys to children in southern Lebanon

•  The gifts came from Spain, donated entirely by the company CEFA TOYS, S.A., based in La Muela, Zaragoza

Spanish blue helmets, as part of Operation Libre Hidalgo XLIV, part of the United Nations UNIFIL mission, have delivered gifts to many children in the town of Marjayoun, Lebanon. The celebration took place at a Christmas market organised by the authorities and the local community.

The toys were donated entirely by the company CEFA TOYS, S.A., based in La Muela, Zaragoza, Spain. For this reason, during the delivery ceremony, the Spanish contingent expressed its sincere gratitude for the commitment and sensitivity shown towards the children. The Christmas shipment included toys without electronic components, including teddy bears, rubber toys, puzzles and other recreational and educational games.

This civic-military event took place in a warm and festive atmosphere, typical of the Christmas season. The children, accompanied by their families, actively participated in the gift-giving, where they were able to choose toys and share a fun time with other children from the community.

This activity provided a space for normality and joy during a time of year steeped in symbolism, while also strengthening the bond between the Spanish contingent deployed in the area and the local population. Supporting children is an important step in building a better future. This is the ultimate goal of the work carried out by Spanish military personnel in fulfilling their mission, and a further demonstration of Spain's firm commitment to the population in southern Lebanon.

Spain in UNIFIL

The Spanish Armed Forces were deployed to Lebanon in September 2006. The bulk of the Spanish contingent is stationed at the Miguel de Cervantes base, near the town of Marjayoun, where the headquarters of UNIFIL's Eastern Sector is located, under the command of General Antonio Bernal Martín. There are also Spanish troops at the mission headquarters in Naqoura.

Approximately 650 Spanish military personnel are currently deployed in UNIFIL, with the aim of ensuring enforcement of United Nations Resolution 1701, in a highly unstable security situation, despite the peace agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon.

Spain's participation in the United Nations mission in Lebanon 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 tasks, the Spanish contingent has carried out numerous civil-military cooperation activities, strengthening ties with the local population.