India and UN Peacekeeping Nations Strongly Condemn Attacks in Lebanon, Call for Immediate Ceasefire

India, along with 34 other troop-contributing countries to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has strongly condemned the recent attacks on peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The joint statement, issued on Saturday, called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and demanded that the safety of peacekeepers be prioritized.

Rising Concerns Over Peacekeeper Safety

The statement, signed by countries including Indonesia, Italy, Ghana, Nepal, Malaysia, Spain, and France, comes at a critical time. At least five UN peacekeepers have been wounded as Israeli forces continue their military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The United Nations accused the Israeli military of “deliberately” targeting UNIFIL positions, raising alarms over the safety of peacekeepers in the region.

The Permanent Mission of India at the UN in New York echoed the joint statement, emphasizing that the safety and security of peacekeepers are “paramount” and must be ensured in accordance with existing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The Escalation of Violence in Southern Lebanon

The conflict in southern Lebanon has taken a dire turn in recent weeks. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli airstrikes on three sites killed at least 15 people, raising the overall death toll to over 1,200 since the violence erupted on September 23. More than a million residents have been forced to flee their homes as fighting intensifies between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces. Hezbollah has responded by launching missile attacks into northern Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepting some projectiles.

The 34 troop-contributing nations, in their joint statement, reaffirmed their commitment to UNIFIL’s mission, emphasizing that the primary goal is to stabilize South Lebanon and contribute to lasting peace in the Middle East. They called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect the presence of UNIFIL and ensure the safety of its personnel.

UNIFIL’s Mission and Role in Lebanon

Established in 1978, UNIFIL’s mission was expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah under UNSC Resolution 1701. The mandate focuses on maintaining the ceasefire between the two sides, ensuring no military forces except for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL are deployed in southern Lebanon. The peacekeeping force currently has around 9,500 troops from 50 nationalities, with significant contributions from India, Indonesia, France, and Italy.

India is among the major contributors to UNIFIL, with nearly 900 troops stationed in the region. As tensions escalate, the safety of these peacekeepers remains a top concern for Indian authorities. On Friday, the Indian government expressed its concerns about the deteriorating security situation in southern Lebanon.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and urge all sides to respect the inviolability of UN premises,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The MEA reiterated that UN peacekeepers must be protected and their mandate upheld amid the ongoing conflict.

Peacekeepers Under Fire

Over the past few days, peacekeepers stationed in Naqura, where UNIFIL’s headquarters is located, have repeatedly come under fire. On Thursday, two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured after falling from a watchtower during an Israeli tank attack. The following day, two Sri Lankan Blue Helmets were wounded in an explosion near another watchtower. UNIFIL described the situation as a “serious development” and called on all parties to respect international obligations to safeguard peacekeepers.

International Responses and Calls for Action

Several world leaders, including French, Italian, and Spanish officials, condemned the attacks on UNIFIL, calling them violations of UNSC Resolution 1701. French President Emmanuel Macron, during a press conference on Friday, stated that “attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and must stop immediately.” The European leaders also demanded that a thorough investigation be conducted into the recent incidents involving Israeli forces.

The United States and Russia have also weighed in on the issue. US President Joe Biden urged Israel to take necessary steps to avoid targeting UN peacekeeping positions. Meanwhile, Russia has called for Israel to halt all “hostile actions” against peacekeepers in the region.

In response, Israeli officials defended their military actions, claiming that Hezbollah has been launching attacks from areas near UNIFIL posts, effectively using peacekeepers as human shields. Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that Hezbollah’s tactics are “criminal” and that Israel would continue to take measures to protect UN personnel while defending its territory.

A Call for Diplomacy Amid Rising Tensions

As the conflict rages on, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are being pushed forward by the international community. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for restraint on all sides and stressed the need for a peaceful resolution.

India’s involvement, both diplomatically and militarily, underlines the nation’s commitment to peacekeeping and its role in global conflict resolution. However, the recent developments in Lebanon have cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities faced by UNIFIL forces, with multiple nations rallying for stronger protections for peacekeepers.

Future Prospects for Peace

With over a million people displaced and thousands more injured or killed, the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon continues to worsen. Both Israel and Hezbollah remain locked in a cycle of retaliation, leaving the future of the region uncertain. Despite international pressure for a ceasefire, the violence shows no signs of abating.

For India and other troop-contributing nations, ensuring the safety of their personnel while supporting the broader goal of Middle Eastern peace remains a delicate balancing act. As the situation unfolds, the global community’s ability to mediate and broker lasting peace will be put to the test.