The commanders of UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) have been shocked by the Israeli army’s justification for repeatedly attacking the peacekeepers. The latest incidents have left nearly twenty soldiers injured. The Israeli army claims that Hezbollah is using UN peacekeepers as “human shields,” a claim vehemently denied by high-ranking officers within the mission.
Military experts believe that Israel’s attacks aim to drive out UNIFIL peacekeepers so there are no witnesses to their operations in Lebanon. Despite Israeli pressure for a withdrawal, UN forces have stayed put. Israel’s aggressive actions have put UN personnel in danger, with recent attacks near the village of Marun al Ras and at the UN outpost in Ramya.
Rules of engagement
The Israeli army operates with different rules of engagement in Gaza compared to Lebanon, where it must abide by international laws protecting UN forces. Despite provocations, UNIFIL soldiers remain restrained in their responses to Israeli aggression. With tensions escalating, the future of the UN mission in Lebanon remains uncertain.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 authorizes UNIFIL to take necessary action to protect personnel and ensure security. However, the mission’s role has evolved amidst heightened conflict, making their decisions on future involvement critical.
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