Image Source: Salaamedia
World – The South African government has expressed deep concern over Israel’s bombardment and the escalating violence in Lebanon, particularly regarding the devastating impact on civilians. The government also strongly condemned recent Israeli attacks on a United Nations peacekeeper station in the south of Lebanon.
According to the statement, a UN official informed the UN Security Council that the Israeli troops are deliberately targeting UN peacekeepers, putting their mission to maintain regional stability in jeopardy. With more than 10,400 UN peacekeepers deployed, their safety is increasingly under threat as Israeli forces continue military incursions into the territory of a sovereign nation.
The South African government emphasised that these actions represent “a grave violation of international humanitarian law” and are unacceptable.
“It is imperative that the international community and the UN Security Council be consistent with the defence of international law and international humanitarian law.”
“South Africa calls for an immediate end to the bombing campaign as the longer the war continues, the higher the risk that the region will descend into a major military conflagration, presenting a grave threat to international peace and security.”
Reflecting the concerns shared by South Africa, several nations have condemned Israel’s attacks on UN peacekeepers. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom voiced their deep concern over Israel’s actions and violations against peacekeeping forces in Lebanon.
“We, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, express our deep concern in the wake of recent attacks by the IDF on UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) bases, which have left several peacekeepers injured. These attacks must stop immediately. We condemn all threats to UNIFIL’s security.”
“Any deliberate attack against UNIFIL goes against international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The protection of peacekeepers is incumbent upon all parties to a conflict.”
In addition, forty nations contributing to UNIFIL strongly condemned the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in a joint statement, calling for an immediate halt to such actions and a thorough investigation.
“We urge the parties of the conflict to respect UNIFIL’S presence, which entails the obligation to guarantee the safety and security of its personnel at all times so that they can continue to implement its mandate and continue their work of mediation and support for peace and stability in Lebanon and the entire region.”
“We reiterate our commitment to multilateral cooperation with the UN at its core. We call for respect for international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations as well as the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”
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Attacks on UNIFIL Personnel and Bases
Over the weekend, UNIFIL reported that two Israeli tanks destroyed their main gate and forcibly entered their position. After a while, the tanks withdrew, but several rounds of ammunition were fired, releasing smoke that affected the personnel inside, causing illness. This incident is the latest in a series of violations and attacks by the IDF on UNIFIL.
In response, the UN Chief’s Spokesperson, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated that “UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law.”
“The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times without qualification.”
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissed claims that Israeli forces are deliberately targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon, calling the allegations “completely false.” He emphasised that Israel has repeatedly urged the UN Secretary-General to relocate UNIFIL forces to safer areas.
Despite these appeals, UNIFIL has chosen to remain in its position in South Lebanon. According to the mission’s spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, it will continue to operate under the UN flag in the region as per its mandate.
“We are staying. That was the decision taken because we are in the south of Lebanon under a security council mandate. So it’s important to keep an international presence and to keep the UN flag flying in the area.”
“There have been some deliberate attacks against our troops, And peacekeepers were injured. This is not only a violation of Resolution 1701, it is also a violation of international humanitarian law.”
“[As such] parties have an obligation to protect peacekeepers and ensure safety and security for our troops.”
