New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, joining 39 other countries in a joint statement that demands immediate cessation of such actions. The statement, issued by the troop-contributing countries to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers.
Key Developments
Attacks on UNIFIL Peacekeepers: Two UN peacekeepers from Sri Lanka were wounded in an Israeli strike near their watchtower in Naqoura, south Lebanon ¹.
India's Response: India's Permanent Mission to the UN aligned itself with the joint statement, stressing that safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance ¹ ².
UNIFIL's Concerns: The force has expressed concern over the escalating situation along the Blue Line, causing widespread destruction in southern Lebanon ¹.
Israel's Defense: Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, claimed that Hezbollah was using UNIFIL peacekeepers as a shield, justifying Israeli military actions ¹.
International Response
The joint statement, initially signed by 34 countries, has gained support from six additional nations, including India, Colombia, Germany, Greece, Peru, and Uruguay ¹ ². The statement urges all parties to respect UNIFIL's presence and guarantee the safety and security of its personnel.