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NEW YORK — The UN Security Council expressed “strong concern” on Monday over Israel’s attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL.
Israeli strikes have reportedly injured at least five members of UNIFIL in separate attacks, a move that has drawn international condemnation, with Italy, the UK, France and Germany releasing a joint statement reminding Israel that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are against international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded UNIFIL “temporarily leave the combat zone,” insisting that “the charge that Israel deliberately attacked UNIFIL personnel is completely false.”
Netanyahu says Israel has “repeatedly asked” the peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon to leave the area where the Israeli military is operating.
The 10,000-strong United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has been patrolling the border area between Lebanon and Israel for nearly 50 years.
The UNIFIL chief has said UN peacekeepers will remain in their regular positions on Lebanon’s southern border despite Israel’s request.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Monday that “attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law, and they may constitute war crime.”
Guterres has called on all parties, including the IDF, to “refrain from any and all actions that put peacekeepers at risk.”
The UN Security Council also reiterated its support for the peacekeeping mission’s role “in supporting regional security.” The 15-member Security Council has been deeply divided over the war in Gaza, with the US remaining an ally of Israel as other members grew increasingly cautious.
The statement by the council did not name Israel, Lebanon or Hezbollah but urged all parties “to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and UN premises.”
Council members also expressed “deep concern” at civilian casualties, the destruction of infrastructure and the rising number of displaced people. They called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians.
The Security Council “also emphasized the need for diplomatic endeavors that would bring a durable end to the conflict and allow civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely to their homes.” — Euronews
