Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
The United Nations Security Council denounced recent Israeli attacks on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, following a deadly incident in late March that killed three Indonesian troops serving under a UN mission.
In a statement issued Wednesday, council members extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed sympathy to Indonesia over the loss of its personnel.
The council said the same incident left five other peacekeepers wounded and noted a pattern of attacks affecting positions of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon amid continued tensions along the Blue Line.
Members also conveyed hopes for the recovery of those injured and recognized the service of UN personnel deployed in conflict zones. They highlighted the risks peacekeepers face in carrying out their mandate to maintain international peace and security.
The statement reaffirmed support for UNIFIL and urged all parties in the conflict to ensure the safety of its troops, as well as to respect the mission’s operational freedom in line with international law.
It stressed that UN peacekeepers must not be targeted under any circumstances and called for accountability over the incidents through an investigation led by UNIFIL.
The council further said that countries contributing troops to the mission should be kept informed of developments, consistent with existing Security Council resolutions.
Members also reiterated the need to fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and underscored their backing for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
