As the conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah intensifies, the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, is facing increased attacks from Israeli forces. UNIFIL, established in 1978, has been monitoring the border area between Lebanon and Israel for nearly five decades.
Israel has demanded that UNIFIL leave the area, with Israeli troops firing on the peacekeepers’ headquarters and positions multiple times in the past week. International criticism has grown as five peacekeepers have been wounded in Israeli attacks.
The situation has escalated further with Israel accusing UNIFIL of hindering its operations against Hezbollah. Tensions have mounted since Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon earlier this month, resulting in clashes near UNIFIL positions.
Hezbollah has urged its fighters not to target Israeli troops near UNIFIL positions to protect the peacekeepers. Israel, on the other hand, claims it only aims at Hezbollah targets and insists that UNIFIL moves away from the conflict zone.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted UNIFIL’s ability to carry out its mission effectively. The U.N. peacekeeping chief addressed the Security Council, highlighting the challenges faced by UNIFIL, including the inability to conduct patrols and ensure the resupply of essential resources.