Foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern for the safety of UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon amidst Israel's recent ground incursion. In a joint statement, the ministers unequivocally condemned any threats to the security of UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. They emphasized that any deliberate attack against UNIFIL violates international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Recent reports from the UN have highlighted instances where the Israeli military has targeted peacekeepers, breached a base, disrupted logistical operations, and caused injuries to over a dozen UNIFIL personnel in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pointed fingers at Hezbollah for operating in close proximity to UNIFIL posts, raising concerns about the safety of the peacekeeping forces.
The European foreign ministers, in their joint statement, called upon Israel and all involved parties to prioritize the safety and operational freedom of UNIFIL personnel. They stressed the vital role of the UN in resolving conflicts and alleviating the humanitarian impact of such crises.
