The safety and security of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon are at risk, according to UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix. He mentioned that operations have almost come to a halt since late September, coinciding with Israel’s escalation against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Peacekeepers have been confined to their bases and shelters, with two peacekeepers from Indonesia being injured due to deliberate attacks by Israeli forces.
The UN peacekeeping mission, known as Unifil, has called these attacks on peacekeepers a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Despite the attacks and orders by Israel’s military to leave, the peacekeepers remain determined to stay at their posts. The mission consists of more than 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 contributing countries stationed between the Litani River and the Blue Line, the UN-recognized boundary between Lebanon and Israel.
In response to the escalating situation, Israel recommended that Unifil relocate 5km north to avoid danger as fighting intensifies. European Council president Charles Michel condemned the attacks on UN peace operations, calling them unacceptable. The Italian defense minister also requested a formal explanation from Israeli authorities regarding the attacks on Unifil bases, stating that they were not accidental.
The situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, with reports of civilian casualties in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military has launched an offensive in Gaza, leading to the deaths of many civilians, including women and children. Hospitals in Gaza are being forced to evacuate, putting patients’ lives at risk.
The UN Palestinian refugee agency, Unrwa, has had to shut down shelters and services for the first time since the war began, leading to hunger spreading in northern Gaza. Witness accounts report bodies lying uncollected in the streets due to the renewed fighting. The situation remains dire, and international leaders are calling for an end to the violence and a return to diplomatic solutions.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the safety of peacekeepers and civilians remains a top priority. The need for a diplomatic solution to de-escalate the conflict is more critical than ever. The international community must come together to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.
