Israel targets UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

Humanitarian workers have been deliberately targeted by Israel during the last year of aggression on Gaza and Lebanon.

October 12, 2024 by Aseel Saleh
UNIFIL peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon in July 2024. Photo: UNIFIL

The United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated on Friday, October 11, that two of its personnel were injured from explosions that occurred close to an observation tower within its headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon. The incident was the second attack by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on UNIFIL and its personnel in 48 hours.

On Thursday, October 10, UNIFIL said in a statement that two peacekeepers were injured after an IOF’s Merkava tank shelled an observation tower at its headquarters in Naqoura.

“This is a serious development, and UNIFIL reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006),” the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon said in a statement published on its website.

The United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reportedly urged Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a phone call on Thursday to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinate efforts “to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible.” In addition, US President Joe Biden called on Israel during a White House meeting on Friday to stop firing at UNIFIL personnel, stressing on the importance of protecting the UN peacekeeping force deployed in southern Lebanon.

The leaders of France, Italy and Spain issued a joint statement condemning the attacks, which they described as “unjustifiable” and a “serious violation of the obligations of Israel” under humanitarian international law. The three countries, which are the largest European contributors to UNIFIL in terms of the number of troops, called for an immediate ceasefire, saying that they counted on “Israel’s commitment to the security of UN and bilateral peacekeeping missions in Lebanon as well as international organizations active in the region.” Moreover, France and Italy, summoned Israel’s ambassadors to Paris and Rome in response to the attack.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the incidents on Friday saying: “Any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and UNSC Resolution 1701. It is absolutely unacceptable and shall be put to an immediate stop.”

“We request investigation into the incident, effort to bring relevant people to account and measures to prevent such an incident from happening again. Parties to the conflict must earnestly ensure the safety and security of all UN personnel and property, including the UNIFIL,” Mao added.

Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide also expressed concerns about the attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon in a statement issued on Friday. “It is deeply concerning that the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been fired upon by Israeli forces. UNIFIL has been present along the border with Israel since 1978,” Eide said.

“The peacekeeping force plays a crucial role in monitoring the situation and acting as a neutral actor that helps de-escalate conflict and prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. The UN’s positions and infrastructure are well-known and clearly marked. It is, therefore, highly reprehensible that Israeli forces have now targeted several of UNIFIL’s positions,” the minister added.