United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stern warning that attacks on peacekeepers in Lebanon could be considered war crimes. This reaction came after Israeli tanks breached the gates of a peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon, sparking further accusations of Israeli violations against the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The incident on Sunday saw two Israeli tanks destroying the main gate of a UNIFIL position, leading Secretary-General Guterres to emphasize the importance of upholding international law and protecting peacekeepers. Despite Israeli pressure to move peacekeepers out of southern Lebanon, UNIFIL has stood its ground, highlighting the significance of the UN presence in the region.
UNIFIL, established in 1978, aims to maintain peace, security, and Lebanese government authority in southern Lebanon following conflicts with Israel. The recent escalation of tensions and attacks on peacekeepers underscore the ongoing challenges facing UN missions in conflict zones.