United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a warning on Sunday, stating that any attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) could amount to war crimes. This warning follows a recent incident in which two Israeli tanks breached the gates of a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon.
Recent Allegations Against Israel
This incident represents the latest accusation against Israel for violating the rights of international peacekeeping missions. Additionally, Israel has launched several attacks on UNIFIL in recent days. The mission is officially known as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
UN Response to Ongoing Attacks
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized, “UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all locations, and the UN flag continues to fly.” He further stated that “UNIFIL personnel and facilities should never be targeted.” Such attacks violate international law, including humanitarian law, and may indeed constitute war crimes.
Impact of Previous Attacks
Moreover, UNIFIL reported that earlier Israeli attacks targeted a watchtower, cameras, communication equipment, and lighting. These actions have significantly limited UNIFIL’s monitoring capabilities. Furthermore, UN sources expressed concern over the inability to detect violations of international law amid the ongoing conflict.
International Reactions to the Situation
In response to these developments, the Italian government announced that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and condemned the “unacceptable” Israeli attacks. Italy contributes over 1,000 soldiers to UNIFIL, making it one of the largest military contributors.
Similarly, France and Spain have condemned the Israeli attacks. Each country has approximately 700 troops in the force. In addition, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed “serious concern” in a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant. He urged Israel to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and the Lebanese army, which remains uninvolved in the conflict with Hezbollah.
Calls for Immediate Action
The Swiss Foreign Ministry also called on the Israeli army to cease all attacks on UNIFIL immediately. They emphasized the need to respect the sanctity of UN facilities and uphold international law. Additionally, they underscored the importance of achieving an immediate ceasefire agreement among all parties involved.
In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry claimed that regular Israeli attacks on UNIFIL illustrate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s occupation policy towards Lebanon. The statement highlighted that UNIFIL forces are mandated by the Security Council to contribute to regional security.
Escalating Violence in Lebanon
Since September 23, Israel has expanded its campaign of violence in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. This expansion now affects most regions of Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut. In fact, Israel’s actions include unprecedented airstrikes and incursions into southern areas, despite international warnings and UN resolutions.
Conclusion
The situation remains critical as international leaders call for an end to the violence and respect for UN peacekeeping missions. The potential for escalation grows, raising concerns about regional stability and adherence to international law.
