Recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon have sparked strong condemnation from forty countries whose soldiers serve as part of the peacekeeping force. The joint statement, released on Saturday, emphasized the need for immediate cessation of such actions and called for thorough investigations into the incidents.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported a series of attacks on its personnel, including the injury of a fifth peacekeeper in southern Lebanon on Friday. The statement posted by Poland's mission to the UN highlighted the importance of respecting UNIFIL's presence and ensuring the safety and security of its personnel at all times.
Notable co-signatories of the statement include the United Kingdom, France, India, Germany, and Spain, demonstrating widespread international support for the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
Recent incidents reported by UNIFIL include injuries to peacekeepers resulting from an Israeli tank firing towards an observation tower in Naqoura, leading to its collapse. Additionally, two peacekeepers were hurt in explosions near the observation tower, further escalating tensions in the region.
Sri Lanka and Indonesia, whose nationals were among the injured peacekeepers, also condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for upholding the safety and security of UN personnel.
On Friday, a fifth peacekeeper sustained injuries from gunfire at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura due to ongoing military activity in the vicinity. The incidents have raised concerns about the escalating violence and the need for all parties involved in the conflict to respect the presence of UN peacekeepers.
