A UN peacekeeping base in Lebanon, specifically the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura, came under fire from Israeli forces on Thursday. Fortunately, Indian peacekeepers stationed there are reported to be safe.
Injuries Reported
Two Indonesian peacekeepers sustained injuries when an Israeli tank struck an observation tower at the base. Farhan Haq, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, confirmed, “Fortunately, the injuries are not serious, but the peacekeepers remain in the hospital.”
Rising Tensions
The incident occurs amid Israel’s escalating ground offensive against Hezbollah, with UNIFIL peacekeepers caught in the crossfire along the Blue Line that separates Israel from Lebanon and Syria. Although Israel has requested that UNIFIL vacate some of its bases, peacekeepers have maintained their positions as mandated by the UN Security Council.
Hezbollah’s Influence
Hezbollah, aligned with Iran, controls significant areas of Southern Lebanon and challenges Israeli forces in violation of a Security Council resolution. India contributes approximately 900 peacekeepers to the UNIFIL operation, with some deployed at the Naqoura base.
Additional Attacks
Haq noted that Israeli forces fired upon two additional positions in the area. At Labbouneh, Israeli troops targeted the entrance of a bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, causing damage to vehicles and communications equipment.
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Additionally, Israeli soldiers deliberately fired at perimeter-monitoring cameras at one position on Wednesday and targeted a UN site in Ras Naqoura, damaging lights and a relay station.
Concerns Raised by UN Officials
Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix addressed the Security Council, stating that these actions “show little regard for the protections afforded to UN premises and personnel under international law.” He expressed concern for the safety of peacekeepers, noting that ongoing Israeli airstrikes have rendered much of Southern Lebanon uninhabitable.
Call for Restraint
Hezbollah further continues to launch high-caliber weaponry across the Blue Line, threatening major population centers in Israel. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, lamented the international community’s failure to halt the violence, urging both Hezbollah to cease its attacks and Israel to withdraw its forces and stop bombings in Lebanon.
Indonesia Condemns Attacks
Indonesia’s Deputy Permanent Representative Hari Prabowo condemned the Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers, emphasizing that such actions represent an attempt to intimidate both the peacekeeping mission and the international community. “These deliberate attacks harm two brave Indonesian peacekeepers,” he asserted.
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