The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will remain in its positions despite calls from Israel for its withdrawal due to safety concerns. Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix confirmed that UNIFIL forces are facing gunfire in southern Lebanon, prompting the Security Council to express its concern.
The Security Council issued a statement urging all parties to respect the safety of UNIFIL personnel, emphasizing that peacekeeping forces and UN headquarters should not be targeted. This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for UNIFIL soldiers to be evacuated from areas near the 'Blue Line' separating Lebanon and Israel, which he claims puts them in danger of being taken hostage by Hezbollah.
In a show of support, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom condemned the threats to UNIFIL forces and demanded an immediate cessation of attacks on peacekeepers. They highlighted that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers violate international law and called for all parties, including Israel, to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel.
US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood emphasized the importance of UNIFIL's mission, while Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the threats against UNIFIL forces, stating that such actions are unacceptable.
