The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon is facing escalating tensions with Israeli forces, as Israeli tanks recently forced entry into one of its positions. This incident is just one in a series of violations and attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as Israel intensifies its bombardment and ground assaults on Lebanon.
UNIFIL reported that Israeli tanks destroyed a position’s main gate, entered forcibly, and then fired shells nearby, causing sickness among UN personnel. The Israeli military claims that Hezbollah fighters targeted Israeli troops with anti-tank missiles, leading to a mass casualty event that prompted tanks to back into the UNIFIL post.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the UN to evacuate the peacekeeping force from combat zones, accusing them of providing Hezbollah with human shields. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Netanyahu’s demand, and Hezbollah denies using peacekeepers to protect its fighters.
The safety of peacekeepers is a growing concern, with five wounded in recent attacks, most blamed on Israeli forces. International pressure is mounting on Israel to cease firing on UNIFIL, with US President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni both expressing disapproval of the attacks.
It is crucial to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers mandated to observe, report, and provide humanitarian assistance. The attacks on UN forces in southern Lebanon highlight the urgent need for peace and diplomacy in the region.
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