UN Alleges Israeli Attack on Peacekeepers in Lebanon
In the midst of intense combat between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), primarily composed of Irish troops, has been the only external force present. They have been stationed near the Israel-Lebanon border since the war in 2006.
UN Concerns Over Israeli Army Activities
The UN peacekeepers have expressed growing concerns over the Israeli army establishing forward bases near their operational areas. This week, the Israeli government warned the UN troops to relocate their positions or face potential fire.
UNIFIL Headquarters Under Fire
This warning seems to have materialized this week. On Thursday, the UNIFIL force reported that its headquarters were fired upon by the Israeli army, resulting in two wounded troops. The UN team had declined demands from the Israeli army to move their position further north, leading to a tense standoff as tanks advanced.
UNIFIL's Statement on the Incident
In a statement, UNIFIL said, "The injuries are fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital." The force is calling the incident "very serious" as it believes the IDF "deliberately fired" on its positions.
The UN headquarters is situated in the village of Labbouneh. The team reported that IDF fire struck "the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, and damaging vehicles and a communications system."
The statement further cautioned that "targeting peacekeepers is a very serious violation, not only of Resolution 1701 but also of international humanitarian law." Surveillance cameras were also reportedly destroyed, and the Israeli action allegedly involved several tanks.
UN's Response and International Reactions
"If the situation becomes impossible for the mission to operate in the south of Lebanon … it will be up to the Security Council to decide how to move forward," said the UN. The Israeli military has not yet commented.
Earlier, UNIFIL expressed its deep concern over recent IDF activities near the Mission's position inside Lebanese territory. Italy, a contributor to the UN mission, expressed outrage, and its government summoned the Israeli ambassador in Rome. The Italian Defense Minister described the shooting at the UNIFIL headquarters as "intolerable" and called for decisive avoidance of such incidents.
Ireland also issued a formal protest, describing the targeting of peacekeepers as "reprehensible and unacceptable."
US Stance on UN Security Council Votes
In most UN Security Council votes aiming to censure Israel for military actions, the United States often stands as a lone veto. Washington has seldom defended or supported the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. The UNIFIL force was established as far back as 1978, in response to Israeli incursions into Lebanon and events related to the Lebanese civil war of the late 20th century.
Bottom Line
This incident raises serious questions about the safety and effectiveness of peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. It underscores the delicate balance that must be maintained to ensure the protection of peacekeepers while they fulfill their duties. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with friends and engage in a discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
