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The recent escalation of violence along the Blue Line, the border between Lebanon and Israel, has raised serious concerns for the international community, particularly for the safety of UN peacekeepers. India, a long-time supporter of international peacekeeping missions, has voiced its deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and the increasing attacks on UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) personnel. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on October 11, 2024, expressing India's anxieties about the escalating clashes between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah elements in south Lebanon.
The statement highlighted the need for the inviolability of UN premises and the protection of UN peacekeepers. Recent incidents have seen IDF forces target UNIFIL facilities, including the organization's headquarters in Naqoura. On October 10, two peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli Merkava tank directly targeted an observation tower at the UNIFIL headquarters, underscoring the serious threat to the safety of these personnel. This attack, along with other incidents of shelling and damage to UNIFIL equipment, raises significant concerns about the violation of UN mandates and the deliberate targeting of peacekeeping forces.
The escalating conflict along the Blue Line has seen a surge in rocket attacks on Israel and ground incursions by the IDF into Lebanese territory. These actions, coupled with the targeting of UNIFIL positions, have created a volatile and dangerous environment for the peacekeepers. The UNIFIL mission, mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1701, aims to maintain a cessation of hostilities and protect civilians in the region. The recent attacks on peacekeepers not only jeopardize their lives but also undermine the mission's ability to operate effectively and restore stability. India, along with the international community, has condemned these actions and called for all parties to exercise restraint and respect the UN mandate. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to the safety of UN personnel and civilians in the region and continues to monitor the situation closely.
Source: India Expresses Concern Over Escalating Violence and Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in South Lebanon