Showing no respect for the civilized international order, destroying Western moral superiority as fast as possible…
Recent Attacks on UN Peacekeepers
Israeli forces have targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters and positions multiple times in recent days:
- On Thursday, Israeli tank fire struck a UNIFIL observation tower, injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers[1][2].
On Friday, Israeli forces again shelled a UNIFIL observation post at their headquarters in Naqoura, wounding two Sri Lankan peacekeepers[2][4].
UNIFIL reported that its headquarters in Naqoura has been “repeatedly” targeted by Israeli tank fire[2].
At least four UN peacekeepers have been injured in total over the past 48 hours[4].
Reactions and Condemnations
These attacks have drawn widespread condemnation:
- The UN described the incidents as “very serious” and a violation of international law[1][2].
40 countries contributing to UNIFIL issued a joint statement strongly condemning the attacks and calling for an investigation[7].
France summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incidents[8].
Human Rights Watch called for a UN investigation, labeling intentional targeting of UN missions a “war crime”[2].
Israel’s Position
Israel has acknowledged conducting operations near UNIFIL positions but claims:
- It was responding to threats from Hezbollah fighters operating close to UN positions[2].
It had instructed UN forces to evacuate certain areas for safety reasons[5][8].
Israel’s UN ambassador suggested UNIFIL relocate 5 km north to mitigate risks[3].
Context
These incidents are occurring amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, which began after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023[6]. UNIFIL, established in 1978, has a mandate to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon[6].
Citations:
1. Al Jazeera – Israel Attacks UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon: Why It’s Such a Big Deal
2. Al Jazeera – Israeli Forces Again Target UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon
3. The Guardian – Israeli Strike on Beirut Kills 22 in Deadliest Attack on City Centre Since War’s Start
4. Anadolu Agency – UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon Describes Israeli Shelling on Its Headquarters as Serious Development
5. BBC – Analysis of UN Peacekeepers Targeted by Israeli Shelling
6. NPR – UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon: Israel and United Nations
7. Politico – 40 Countries Condemn Israel’s Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
8. France24 – The UN Peacekeeping Mission Caught in the Middle of Fighting in Southern Lebanon
9. Times of Israel – Netanyahu: UN Must Withdraw South Lebanon Peacekeepers from Combat Zones
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