UN peacekeepers injured in Israeli strike in Lebanon
Photo: UN peacekeepers in Lebanon (unifil.unmissions.org)
In southern Lebanon, two UN peacekeepers sustained injuries due to an Israeli strike during clashes with Hezbollah militants. Explosions occurred near the Blue Helmets base, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and Reuters.
According to UNIFIL representatives, on the morning of October 11, their headquarters in Naqoura (southern Lebanon) suffered explosions for the second time in the past 48 hours.
"Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower. One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is being treated in Naqoura," UNIFIL stated.
The incident occurred near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, specifically when Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tanks approached the UN position.
"Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position," the UNIFIL reported.
It is worth noting that UN peacekeepers have been deployed in southern Lebanon at the Security Council's request in accordance with Resolution 1701 (2006). UNIFIL reiterated the need to guarantee the safety and security of UN personnel and property, adding that the inviolability of UN premises must always be respected.
Western reaction to UN peacekeepers' injuries in Lebanon
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Western countries condemned the attack.
Following the incident, France summoned the Israeli ambassador and issued a statement along with Italy and Spain, labeling such attacks as unjustifiable.
Additionally, US President Joe Biden stated that he urged Israel not to strike UNIFIL forces.
UN mission in Lebanon and Israel's operation against Hezbollah
Previously, the IDF called on UN peacekeepers to withdraw from the area where the IDF was conducting a ground military operation against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission, stated that peacekeepers in Lebanon remain at their positions. The organization emphasized that "the parties have an obligation to respect the safety of and security of peacekeepers."
As reported earlier, UN peacekeepers operate between the Litani River north and the Blue Line south. According to information on its website, the mission comprises over 10,000 personnel — military members from 50 countries and approximately 800 civilian staff.
Furthermore, the US State Department officials recently stated that Washington does not want UN peacekeepers in Lebanon to be endangered in any way, including attacks from Israel.
