Sun Oct 13 22:03:38 UTC 2024: ## India Demands Safety of UN Peacekeepers Amidst Israeli-Hezbollah Clashes
**New York, USA:** India has expressed grave concern over the safety of UN peacekeepers operating in Lebanon after several UNIFIL posts came under attack from Israeli forces during their ongoing offensive against Hezbollah. The Indian Mission to the UN stated that the safety and security of peacekeepers are paramount and must be respected, emphasizing India’s commitment to the UNSC resolutions.
This comes after a series of incidents involving Israeli military action targeting UNIFIL positions. Notably, an Indian peacekeeper was injured after a bullet hit him during an Israeli attack on a UNIFIL base in Naqoura. The injured peacekeeper is currently in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Earlier, two Sri Lankan peacekeepers were injured when Israeli troops fired on their UNIFIL post in Naqoura. The IDF has since admitted to the incident, claiming they identified a perceived threat and acted accordingly. They have promised a thorough investigation. Furthermore, two Indonesian UNIFIL soldiers were injured when an Israeli tank fired near their observation tower, causing them to fall.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN’s top peacekeeping official, indicated that some of the firing on UN positions may have been deliberate, citing damage to UN equipment and the targeting of a UN tower.
The violence has sparked international condemnation, with France, Italy, and Spain jointly denouncing Israel’s actions against UN posts, calling them unjustifiable. Sri Lanka also strongly condemned the attack on its peacekeepers.
The escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border follow Hezbollah’s recent attacks on Israel, which led to the current ground invasion by Israeli forces. The IDF has stated that over 100 rockets were fired into northern Israel from Lebanon, and drones crossed into Israeli airspace.
The UNIFIL, with its 600 Indian soldiers stationed along the Israel-Lebanon border, has called on all parties to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and premises, urging them to avoid combat activities near UNIFIL positions.
First Piper 