‘This was not a mistake’: Israel’s attack on UN peacekeepers sparks international condemnation
As we have reported, Israel has faced intense criticism for its attack on a UN peacekeeping post in Lebanon.
UN officials said Israel opened fire on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon this morning, wounding two people.
A UN peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the border with Israel. There have been serious clashes between Israeli forces and Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in the region.
This comes after UNIFIL announced yesterday that one of its observation towers had come under Israeli tank shelling, injuring two peacekeepers.
The attack drew international condemnation, with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemning it as a “crime”.
This sentiment was echoed in one of the strongest statements condemning the attack by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crossetto, who said it was a possible war crime.
“This was not a mistake or an accident,” Crossett said at a news conference.
“This may constitute a war crime and represents a very serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
His comments were notable because, unlike some European countries, Italy has strongly supported Israel through its year-long war with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
European Council President Charles Michel said: “The attack on a United Nations peace mission is irresponsible and unacceptable. That is why we call on Israel, and on all sides, to fully respect international humanitarian law.” said.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “Moscow is furious at the actions of the Israeli military.
“We call on the Russian side to refrain from any hostile acts against UNIFIL peacekeeping forces operating in Lebanon.”
“China expresses grave concern and strong condemnation of the Israeli Defense Forces’ attacks on UNIFIL positions and observation posts,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
Rama Fakih of Human Rights Watch said, “UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon have long played an important civilian protection and humanitarian role.
“The targeting of UN peacekeeping forces by Israeli forces violates the laws of war and endangers UNIFIL’s civilian protection and assistance operations.”
Several other countries also condemned Israel’s attack, including France, Spain and Jordan.
