Peacekeeper nations condemn attacks on UNIFIL in Lebanon.
Dozens of countries including leading contributors India and Indonesia have strongly condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah clashes.
In a joint statement, over 40 nations reaffirmed support for UNIFIL and called for ensuring troop safety after at least five were wounded in Israeli operations.
Signatories include Ghana, Nepal, Malaysia, Spain, and France who have contributed several hundred troops to the mission tasked with monitoring the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.
As Israel takes its fight against Iran-backed Hezbollah into southern Lebanon raising conflict fears, UNIFIL has accused Israeli fire on its positions.
Lebanon says Israeli strikes have killed 15 while over a million residents have fled homes. Hezbollah too has stepped up attacks on the Israeli city of Haifa.
The statement urged all parties to respect UNIFIL’s presence and guarantee personnel security at all times as mandated under UNSC Resolution 1701.
Earlier, India expressed concern over deteriorating security and underlined the inviolability of UN premises as its over 900 troops serve in UNIFIL.
French, Italian, and Spanish leaders also flagged ‘attacks’ violating the resolution and endangering peacekeepers.
