UNITED NATIONS, United States — Forty nations contributing troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have issued a joint statement condemning recent attacks on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
“We strongly condemn these recent attacks,” the statement read, calling for an immediate halt and thorough investigation into the incidents. The message was shared on social media by Poland’s UN mission and signed by leading troop contributors such as Indonesia, Italy, and India, as well as Ghana, Nepal, Malaysia, Spain, France, and China.
In recent days, at least five peacekeepers have been injured as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL has accused the Israeli military of “deliberately” targeting its positions during its operations in the region.
The 40 nations reiterated their support for UNIFIL’s mission, which aims to stabilize southern Lebanon and promote lasting peace across the Middle East. “We urge all parties to respect the presence of UNIFIL and ensure the safety and security of its personnel at all times,” the statement emphasized.
UNIFIL, consisting of approximately 9,500 troops from 50 nations, has been tasked with enforcing a ceasefire that ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Its mandate was strengthened by UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which stipulates that only Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers are authorized to operate in southern Lebanon.
At a summit on Friday, leaders from France, Italy, and Spain condemned the attacks on UN peacekeepers, stating they violate Resolution 1701 and must cease immediately.
According to UNIFIL, its positions have been “repeatedly” fired upon in recent days, particularly in the Lebanese town of Naqura, where its headquarters is located. On Thursday, Israeli tank fire caused two Indonesian peacekeepers to fall from a watchtower in Naqura. The following day, explosions near an observation tower injured two Sri Lankan peacekeepers, with Israel claiming it had responded to an “immediate threat” near the peacekeepers’ position.
On Friday night, another peacekeeper in Naqura was wounded by gunfire. UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti described the situation as “very difficult,” noting extensive damage to facilities, including inside peacekeeping bases.
Source: abs-cbn.com
