Guterres Warns Against Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning regarding attacks on UN peacekeeping forces, stating that such actions "may constitute a war crime." This statement follows a recent incident where two Israeli tanks breached the gates of a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon, raising serious concerns about the safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In a statement, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated that UNIFIL personnel and their facilities must never be targeted. He emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers violate international law, including international humanitarian law. Previous assaults on UNIFIL assets, such as a watchtower and surveillance equipment, have severely hampered the mission's ability to monitor the situation effectively.
The international community has reacted strongly to these developments. The Italian government, which contributes over 1,000 troops to UNIFIL, expressed outrage over the Israeli attacks. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a staunch supporter of Israel, condemned the actions as "unacceptable" during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Similarly, France and Spain, each with approximately 700 troops in the force, have denounced the attacks.
The Pentagon has also weighed in, with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressing deep concern over reports of Israeli forces targeting peacekeeping positions. He urged Israel to ensure the safety of both UNIFIL personnel and the Lebanese army, which is not involved in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
In response to the escalating violence, the Swiss Foreign Ministry called for an immediate cessation of attacks on UNIFIL forces and urged respect for international law. Meanwhile, Turkey's Foreign Ministry criticized the Israeli government's actions as indicative of an occupation policy towards Lebanon, emphasizing the need for the permanent members of the UN Security Council to intervene and halt these attacks.
The situation in the region has been deteriorating since the outbreak of violence in Gaza on October 7, 2023, with Israel expanding its military operations into Lebanon, including heavy airstrikes in Beirut. The ongoing conflict poses significant risks not only to regional stability but also to the safety of international peacekeeping missions.
