Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to demand the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon known as UNIFIL “to temporarily leave the combat zone,” insisting that “the charge that Israel deliberately attacked UNIFIL personnel is completely false.”
International criticism is growing after Israeli forces have repeatedly fired on UN peacekeepers since the start of the ground operation in Lebanon.
Netanyahu says Israel has “repeatedly asked” the peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon to leave the area where the Israeli military is operating. The 10,000-strong United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon have been patrolling the border area between Lebanon and Israel for nearly 50 years.
At least five members of UNIFIL have been injured since Israel started its ground incursion into Lebanon two weeks ago, leading to criticism of Israeli operations.
The UNIFIL chief has said UN peacekeepers will stay on Lebanon’s southern border despite Israel’s request.
UN says attacks on its peacekeepers may amount to war crimes
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Monday that “attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law, and they may constitute war crime.”
Guterres has called on all parties, including the IDF, to “refrain from any and all actions that put peacekeepers at risk.”
The UN Security Council has expressed “strong concern” and has reiterated its support for the peacekeeping mission’s role “in supporting regional security.” All 15 council members remain steadfast in their support for UNIFIL’s presence in southern Lebanon, emphasising their decision that it would stay in all its positions.
Council members also expressed “deep concern” at civilian casualties, the destruction of infrastructure and the rising number of displaced people. They called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians.
The Security Council “also emphasised the need for diplomatic endeavours that would bring a durable end to the conflict and allow civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely to their homes.”
