Albeit Israeli violations, UNIFIL vows to pursue mission in Lebanon
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As tensions mount, UNIFIL says it remains committed to its mandate under Resolution 1701, which calls for monitoring and maintaining peace in the area.
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A general view of a base of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the Lebanese-Palestinian border, in the southern village of Markaba, on April 7, 2023. (AP)
UNIFIL has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) for the deliberate destruction of UN property in South Lebanon.
On November 7, two IOF excavators and a bulldozer destroyed parts of a fence and a concrete structure at a UNIFIL position in Ras al-Naqoura.
UNIFIL reported that it responded to the incident with an urgent protest, but Israeli forces claimed that there was not "any activity taking place inside the UNIFIL position."
Statement:
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) November 8, 2024
Yesterday, two IDF excavators and one IDF bulldozer destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a UNIFIL position in Ras Naqoura. In response to our urgent protest, the IDF denied any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position. pic.twitter.com/gQm02hjNTG
In its statement, UNIFIL denounced the IOF's actions as "a flagrant violation of international law and Resolution 1701," reiterating that "all actors" are obligated to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and respect the sanctity of UN premises.
The statement noted that similar attacks have occurred frequently in recent weeks. Since September 30, UNIFIL peacekeepers have repeatedly faced demands from the IOF to vacate positions along the UN-designated Blue Line border "for their safety."
UNIFIL emphasized, however, that these events represent deliberate actions by the Israeli forces rather than instances of peacekeepers caught in the crossfire.
UNIFIL remains committed despite pressures
As tensions mount, UNIFIL remains committed to its mandate under Resolution 1701, which calls for monitoring and maintaining peace in the area.
The mission's spokesperson affirmed that, despite the "unacceptable pressures" on its forces, UNIFIL peacekeepers will continue their duties, especially as international calls grow for accountability regarding recent escalations.
This attack adds to a series of deliberate Israeli aggressions, including the recent shelling of UNIFIL's observation tower in Naqoura, which injured two peacekeepers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also called for the withdrawal of UNIFIL forces from South Lebanon, asserting that their presence poses risks to both UN personnel and Israeli soldiers.
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'Israel' against ceasefire efforts
On November 1, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lazaro to discuss the intensifying Israeli attacks along Lebanon's southern border
Mikati reaffirmed UNIFIL’s vital role and Lebanon's commitment to supporting its mission in coordination with the Lebanese Army.
Mikati condemned "Israel’s" “deliberate” attacks on UNIFIL and praised international allies for backing the force.
He warned that "Israel’s" continued aggression signals a rejection of peace efforts and urged the global community to take action in line with UN Resolution 1701.
"The expansion of Israeli aggression into Lebanese territories, along with repeated threats to evacuate entire cities and villages and renewed airstrikes targeting the Southern Suburb of Beirut, are indicators that the Israeli enemy rejects all efforts to cease fire and fully implement Resolution 1701," Mikati said.
