International Condemnation of Israeli Attacks on UNIFIL Forces
A recent Israeli military attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has left several peacekeepers injured, prompting widespread international condemnation. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry reported that the incident occurred on October 11, 2024, targeting the Sri Lankan battalion's headquarters in southern Lebanon, just a day after a similar attack injured two Indonesian soldiers. The ministry condemned the attacks as a systematic and deliberate targeting of UNIFIL by the Israeli army, urging the international community to investigate these incidents and take a firm stand.
UNIFIL has faced repeated assaults, with the latest attack involving an Israeli tank shelling a watchtower at its Naqoura headquarters, resulting in injuries to two soldiers. While the injuries were not life-threatening, the situation has raised serious concerns about the safety of international peacekeepers in the region.
Global Reactions to the Attacks
The international response to the attacks has been swift and unified. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that targeting UNIFIL is a violation of international law and called for the protection of peacekeeping forces. Other nations, including Australia, China, Turkey, and various European countries, have condemned Israel's actions, labeling them as unacceptable and a serious violation of humanitarian law.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, highlighting that they reflect a broader pattern of aggression by Israel against civilians in Gaza and Lebanon. Similarly, the Italian Defense Minister warned that such actions could amount to war crimes. The US National Security Council acknowledged Israel's operational needs but stressed the importance of safeguarding UN personnel.
Despite the escalating tensions, over 10,400 peacekeepers from 50 contributing countries will continue their deployment along the Blue Line, the UN-recognized border between Lebanon and Israel. The Israeli military has intensified its operations in Lebanon since late September, citing the need to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure, which they claim poses a threat to Israeli citizens.
