Iraq condemns Israeli strikes on UNIFIL in Lebanon
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According to the ministry, the aggression is a "flagrant violation" of international law and weakens international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.
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UNIFIL peacekeepers holding their flag as they observe Israeli excavators destroying tunnels in the southern Lebanese village of Mays al Jabal on December 13, 2019. (AP)
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Zionist onslaught on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and called for an immediate ceasefire.
According to a statement obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) on Saturday, "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Zionist attack that targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which resulted in the injury of a number of peacekeeping forces."
According to the ministry, the aggression is a "flagrant violation" of international law and weakens international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region, emphasizing "the importance of providing full protection for all peacekeeping forces, especially in light of these tough circumstances."
An immediate ceasefire was demanded and the international community was urged to "fulfil its responsibilities to ensure respect for international law, protect peacekeeping forces, and prevent the recurrence of such attacks."
"The ministry renews the solidarity of the Republic of Iraq with our brothers in Lebanon against the continuation of this barbaric aggression that targets civilians and infrastructure."
Second Israeli attack on UNIFIL in 48 hours draws ire, envoy summoned
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday warned of "very serious risks" to its peacekeepers after two mission members were injured by explosions near the Palestinian-Lebanese border, the second such attack in two days.
UNIFIL reported that its Naqoura headquarters had been struck twice in 48 hours, with peacekeepers wounded by explosions near an observation tower on Friday, as a spokesperson informed AFP.
"UNIFIL's Naqura headquarters was affected by explosions for the second time in the last 48 hours. Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower," the peacekeeping mission said on Friday morning.
A UNIFIL spokesperson said they were Sri Lankan.
This is a serious development, and UNFIL 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.
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 11, 2024
Several blast walls "at our UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an IDF Caterpillar hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position," the peacekeeping mission said in its statement.
"These incidents put again UN peacekeepers, who are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the Security Council under resolution 1701 (2006), at very serious risks," it said.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Friday he urged the Israeli Security Minister to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces in Lebanon.
"I urged ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinating efforts to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible," Austin said in a post on X following his call with Yoav Gallant on Thursday night.
Earlier, Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said the Israeli army targeted "watchtowers and the main UNIFIL base in Ras Naqura, and on the Sri Lankan battalion's base, which led to a number of wounded."
Lebanon's official National News Agency said an Israeli "Merkava tank targeted one of the UNIFIL towers on the main road linking Tyre and Naqura," wounding the Sri Lankan personnel.
The attack came after two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured on Thursday, when Israeli fire hit UN positions, drawing international condemnation.
France responded by summoning the Israeli ambassador, condemning the attacks as "serious violations of international law."
France, which contributes 700 troops to UNIFIL, demanded an explanation from "Israel", calling for the immediate cessation of fire.
Other contributors, including Italy and Ireland, also condemned the incidents, with Ireland's Foreign Minister labeling the situation "unacceptable".
The Israeli military has carried out repeated attacks harming United Nations peacekeeping operations in southwestern Lebanon in apparent violation of the laws of war. Israeli forces should cease unlawful attacks.https://t.co/S79TUfipFu pic.twitter.com/6N3vAY8gPw
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) October 11, 2024
