Numerous nations involved in peacekeeping efforts, including India, which contribute to the United Nations force in Lebanon, have issued a strong condemnation of the recent assaults on peacekeepers deployed in the region amidst Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah. “Such actions must cease immediately and require thorough investigation,” stated the joint declaration released on Saturday, endorsed by key contributors such as Indonesia and Italy. Additional signatories include Ghana, Nepal, Malaysia, Spain, and France, all of which have provided several hundred troops to the mission. In recent days, at least five peacekeepers have sustained injuries as Israel intensifies its campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, raising concerns of a broader conflict in the West Asia region. The UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, has accused the Israeli military of “deliberately” targeting its positions.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported on Saturday that Israeli airstrikes targeting three locations resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, an increase from previous figures. Earlier, Israel had advised residents in southern Lebanon against returning to their homes as its military engaged in combat with Hezbollah militants, a conflict that has claimed over 1,200 lives since September 23. According to Lebanese authorities, more than one million people have been displaced from their residences. Hezbollah announced that it had launched missiles into northern Israel, where air raid sirens were activated, and the military confirmed the interception of a projectile. The Iran-backed group has intensified its assaults on various targets in and around Haifa, Israel’s primary northern city. In a collective statement, the 40 nations involved reiterated their unwavering support for the mission and activities of UNIFIL, which aims to establish stability and enduring peace in South Lebanon and the broader Middle East. They called on the conflicting parties to respect UNIFIL’s presence, emphasizing the obligation to ensure the safety and security of its personnel at all times. UNIFIL, comprising approximately 9,500 troops from around 50 different countries, is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire that concluded a 33-day conflict in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah. Its mandate was reinforced by UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which specified that only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers should be stationed in southern Lebanon.
