Israeli forces open fire on UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon, wounding two Indonesian peacekeepers.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said on Thursday that Israeli tanks opened fire on the watchtower of the force’s headquarters in the border town of Nakoura, knocking and injuring two peacekeepers.
UNIFIL said in a statement that any attack on peacekeepers would be a “grave violation of international humanitarian law.”
On Friday, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Israeli forces attacked the observation tower of a Sri Lankan battalion in Nakoula, part of UNIFIL, for the second time in recent days.
The peacekeeping organization, founded in 1978 and made up of about 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries, said Israeli forces had “deliberately” fired on positions along the border.
Here are the reactions to the attack:
united nations
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the UN Security Council that the “safety and security” of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon was “increasingly at risk”.
He said operations had virtually ceased since September 23, when Israel launched a series of attacks against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
“Peacekeepers have been trapped and evacuated at their bases for a significant period of time,” he said, adding that UNIFIL stands ready to support any efforts towards a diplomatic solution.
“UNIFIL is obliged to support the implementation of resolution 1701, but must insist that it is the states themselves who implement the provisions of this resolution,” he told an emergency meeting of the Council of 15. .
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 gives UNIFIL the mandate to assist the Lebanese army in keeping its southern border with Israel free of non-Lebanese weapons and armed personnel.
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told Al Jazeera that the attack was a “very serious” development.
Mr Tenenti said Israel had previously asked peacekeepers to move from “certain positions” near the border, but added: “Because it is important that the UN flag is raised in southern Lebanon, we I decided to stay.”
“If the situation in southern Lebanon makes it impossible for the mission to operate, it will be up to the Security Council to decide how to proceed,” he said.
Tennenti added: “At this point we are staying put and trying to do whatever we can to monitor (and assist).”
Indonesia
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi confirmed on Friday that two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured in the attack and were hospitalized for further observation.
“Indonesia strongly condemns this attack,” she said. “Attacks on United Nations personnel and property are serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
Indonesia, a strong critic of Israel and supporter of Palestine, currently has about 1,232 staff members working with UNIFIL in Lebanon.
Israel
The Israeli military said its forces opened fire near the UNIFIL base after directing UN forces in the area to remain in a protected space.
The agency said in a statement that Hezbollah fighters operate from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near UNIFIL garrisons.
The military said it was “operating in southern Lebanon and maintains daily contacts with UNIFIL.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon, referring to the Lebanese-Israel border, moved peacekeeping forces 5 kilometers north “while the situation along the Blue Line remains unstable as a result of Hezbollah’s aggression.” He said he recommended that it be done.
US
A spokesperson for the National Security Council said the White House was “deeply concerned” by reports that Israel had opened fire on the headquarters of United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon.
“We understand that Israel is conducting targeted operations near the Blue Line to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure that could be used to threaten Israeli citizens.” the spokesperson said. “It is important that they do not threaten the safety and security of UN peacekeepers while they carry out these operations.”
Italy
Defense Minister Guido Crosset said the attack on the UNIFIL base was “totally unacceptable”.
“This was not a mistake or an accident,” Crossett said at a news conference.
“This could constitute a war crime and represents a very serious violation of international military law,” he said.
He added that he had summoned the Israeli ambassador to seek an explanation for the attack.
France
The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and said it was awaiting an explanation from Israel as to why it took place.
“France expresses deep concern following the Israeli shooting that struck (UNIFIL) and condemns any attack on UNIFIL’s security,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Protection of peacekeepers is an obligation that applies to all parties to a conflict,” the statement added.
Spain
The Foreign Ministry called the attack a “serious violation of international law.”
“The Spanish government strongly condemns the Israeli fire that struck the UNIFIL headquarters in Nakoura,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the peacekeepers’ safety was “guaranteed.”
Ireland
Irish leader Simon Harris condemned the attack, saying: “Any firing near UNIFIL troops or facilities is reckless and must stop.”
Ireland has about 370 troops on peacekeeping missions.
turkey
“Israel’s attacks on UN forces, following the massacres of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, demonstrate its recognition that its crimes go unpunished,” the Foreign Ministry said.
“The international community has an obligation to ensure that Israel complies with international law,” the ministry said in a statement.
Turkey maintains five personnel at UNIFIL headquarters and contributes one “corvette/frigate” to the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force.
european union
Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the peacekeepers’ position was well known, but the attack was an “unacceptable act with no justification”.
“Two Blue Helmets were injured and this is unacceptable. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and UNSC resolution 1701, and Israel There must be full accountability,” Borrell wrote to X.
He reiterated the EU’s “full support” for UNIFIL.
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.
China
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China expressed “grave concern and strong condemnation” over the Israeli military’s “attacks on UNIFIL positions and observation posts that injured UNIFIL personnel.”
India
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the “deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line” and said: “The inviolability of UN facilities is subject to all appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping forces and the sanctity of their mission.” It must be respected through measures.”
Canada
“Canada calls for the protection of peacekeepers and humanitarian workers and for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Canada, which has been a major supporter of Israel’s military attack on Lebanon, said the attack on U.N. peacekeepers was “alarming and unacceptable.”
