EU slams ‘unacceptable’ Israel attacks on Lebanon peacekeepers
Vehicles from he United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol in Marjayoun in southern Lebanon on October 12, 2024. - UNIFIL, which says it has come under repeated fire in the Israeli-Hezbollah war in recent days, has patrolled the troubled border for decades. (AFP Photo)
The European Union has expressed grave concern over Israeli military attacks on U.N. peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon, calling for an urgent investigation into the incidents that left several peacekeepers injured.
The EU has condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and demanded explanations from Israeli authorities.
EU calls for investigation into Israeli attacks
The EU issued a statement denouncing the recent Israeli strikes on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stating that such actions are “totally unacceptable” and constitute a serious breach of international law. The bloc has called on Israel to provide immediate explanations and conduct a thorough investigation into the attacks.
“These attacks against U.N. peacekeepers undermine the stability of southern Lebanon, where UNIFIL plays a vital role,” the statement read.
Concerns over Hezbollah, civilian casualties
While condemning the Israeli attacks, the EU also voiced concern over Hezbollah’s continued rocket launches into Israel, as well as Israel’s raids on densely populated areas in Lebanon.
These actions have caused significant civilian casualties and displaced many residents in the region. “We are deeply concerned by Hezbollah’s launch of rockets into Israel & by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strikes in densely populated areas of Lebanon,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.
EU foreign ministers demand end to attacks
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell echoed the bloc’s condemnation during a meeting in Luxembourg, where EU foreign ministers unanimously called on Israel to halt its attacks on U.N. peacekeepers. “It’s completely unacceptable to attack United Nations troops,” Borrell told reporters, stressing the need for Israel to comply with international standards.
“We urge all parties to fully uphold their obligations to guarantee the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel at all times, and to allow UNIFIL to continue to implement its mandate,” said the EU’s High Representative in a statement.
The troops and other personnel of UNIFIL, to which sixteen EU Member States currently contribute, are working under difficult conditions in the defense of international peace and security. The EU pays tribute to their professionalism and renews its unwavering support to UNIFIL’s role.
We are also deeply concerned by Hezbollah’s continued launch of rockets into Israel that has to stop, and by IDF strikes in densely populated areas of Lebanon, causing a heavy toll on civilians and the displacement of many. We urge all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law, in all circumstances.
Josep Borrell
“The EU reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, and for all parties to commit and work towards the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701,” the statement underlined.
UNIFIL’s role in Lebanon
UNIFIL, which operates under the mandate of the United Nations, has been stationed in southern Lebanon since 1978 to maintain peace and security in the region.
The recent attacks have raised concerns over the future of the mission and its ability to continue stabilizing the volatile border area between Lebanon and Israel.
According to the decision that set it up, UNIFIL was deployed to Lebanon to fulfill three objectives: “Confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security, assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area”.
