India has expressed serious concerns over the worsening security situation along the Blue Line in Lebanon, where Israeli forces attacked UN peacekeepers, injuring four personnel from Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
UN Peacekeepers Injured in Israeli Strike
The attacks occurred near the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura, as Israeli forces targeted peacekeeping positions. Four peacekeepers, two each from Indonesia and Sri Lanka, were injured, with one needing hospital care.
India’s Statement on the Situation
India, which has nearly 900 troops deployed with UNIFIL, emphasized the importance of respecting the inviolability of UN premises. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers.”
International Outcry
The attacks have drawn sharp criticism from the international community. Russia and China condemned Israel’s actions, while France and Italy, both with troops in UNIFIL, expressed outrage and demanded an immediate stop to the violence. Indonesia strongly condemned the attack after its peacekeepers were injured.
Escalation of Conflict Along the Blue Line
UNIFIL reported multiple incidents of Israeli forces firing at peacekeeping positions and damaging equipment. The situation has heightened tensions along the Blue Line, with Israeli forces clashing with Hezbollah fighters. Several towns in southern Lebanon have been heavily damaged during the escalation.
UNIFIL’s Call for Safety of Peacekeepers
In a statement, UNIFIL reiterated that attacks on peacekeepers are a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The UN force emphasized the need for the safety and security of its personnel to be guaranteed and called for respect for the sanctity of their mandate.
