World reacts to alleged Israeli attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
As Israel launches more attacks throughout Lebanon, UN peacekeepers have accused Israeli forces of firing at some of their positions.
Two of the UN’s peacekeepers were hurt when an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at Ras an-Naqoura, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Any attack on peacekeepers is a “grave violation of international humanitarian law,” according to UNIFIL in a statement.
The peacekeeping organisation, which consists of about 10, 000 peacekeepers from 50 countries and was established in 1978, said Israeli forces had “deliberately” fired at its positions along the border.
What are some of the most notable responses to the alleged UN peacekeeper attack:
UNIFIL
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told Al Jazeera that the attack was a “very serious” development.
Tenenti explained that Israel had previously requested peacekeepers relocate from “certain positions” close to the border, but that “we chose to stay because it’s crucial for the UN flag to fly in the] south of Lebanon.”
The Security Council will have to decide how to proceed if the mission’s operations in the south of Lebanon become impossible.
“At the moment, we are staying, we are trying to do whatever we can to monitor]and] to provide assistance”, Tenenti added.
Israel
After telling UN forces to stay in protected areas, Israel’s military claimed that its troops opened fire on a UNIFIL nearby.
Hezbollah fighters are operating in and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including those close to UNIFIL posts, according to a statement released.
The Israeli military referred to the IDF as “the IDF is operating in southern Lebanon” and maintains regular communication with UNIFIL.
Danny Danon, Israel’s UN ambassador, said he advised moving the peacekeeping force five kilometers north “while the Hezbollah aggression continues to make the situation along the Blue line volatile.”
United States
According to a spokesperson for the National Security Council, Israel’s firing at UN peacekeepers’ headquarters in south Lebanon “deeply preoccupes” the White House.
The spokesperson referred to the Israeli-Lebanese border as “we understand Israel is conducting targeted operations close to the Blue Line to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure,” according to the spokesperson. “While they undertake these operations, it is critical that they not threaten UN peacekeepers ‘ safety and security”.
Italy
Guido Crosetto, the defense minister of Italy, described the UNIFIL base attack as “totally unacceptable.”
“This was not a mistake and not an accident”, Crosetto told a news conference.
He claimed that it “could constitute a war crime” and “refuted international military law in a very serious way.”
He continued, adding that he had called the Israeli ambassador to demand an explanation of the attack.
France
The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs criticized the attack and stated that it was awaiting an explanation from Israel for its cause.
France “condems any attack on the security of UNIFIL” and expresses its deep concern following the Israeli-made shots that hit the UNIFIL,” according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
The statement continued, “All parties to a conflict have an obligation to protect peacekeepers,” adding:
Spain
The attack was described as a “grave violation of international law” by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry’s statement stated that the Israeli fire that hit UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura was “srittlely condemned by the Spanish government,” adding that peacekeepers’ security was “guaranteed.”
European Union
Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the attack on the peacekeepers, whose positions are well known, is an “inadmissible act, for which there is no justification”.
“Two Blue Helmets have been wounded and this is unacceptable. Israel is required to respect both UNSC [UN Security Council] Resolution 1701 and international humanitarian law for any deliberate attack on peacekeepers. Full accountability is needed”, Borrell wrote on X.
