UN Security Council Expresses “Strong Concern” Over Israeli Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed “strong concern” over Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, reiterating its support for their role in maintaining security in the region, The Associated Press reports.
The statement comes as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, with the conflict spilling over into Lebanon.
The UNSC’s statement, issued after emergency closed consultations, marks the first official reaction to Israeli attacks on UNIFIL positions that began last week. The attacks have drawn widespread international condemnation.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix confirmed that Secretary-General António Guterres has insisted that peacekeepers remain in all their positions despite Israel’s calls for them to withdraw five kilometers north during its ground invasion of Lebanon.
The statement comes amidst a deeply divided UNSC regarding the broader conflict in Gaza. While the United States continues to defend its ally Israel, support for the Palestinians has grown among other council members as casualties escalate. The Biden administration has also voiced increasing concern over civilian deaths and the recent attacks on UNIFIL.
The UNSC statement, however, did not explicitly name Israel, Lebanon, or Hezbollah.
In addition to expressing concern over the attacks on UNIFIL, the council also expressed “deep concern” at the growing number of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Lebanon. Over 1,400 people in Lebanon, including civilians, medics, and Hezbollah fighters, have been killed, and 1.2 million displaced in the past month.
The statement calls on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, however, accused UNIFIL of “providing a human shield” to Hezbollah and has called for them to heed Israel’s warnings to evacuate the area.
