Israeli attacks on UN peacekeeping bases in southern Lebanon have increased international tension. India has expressed deep concern over this incident. Following reports of UN personnel being injured in the Israeli attack, India's Ministry of External Affairs stressed the need to ensure the safety of peacekeepers in the region and respect the integrity of UN bases. These Israeli attacks have been strongly condemned by many countries including China, Italy and America.
Expressing deep concern over reports of Israeli attacks on UN peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon, India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, “We are concerned about the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We are closely monitoring the situation. The integrity of UN bases must be respected by all and appropriate steps must be taken to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.”
This statement has come at a time when the attacks carried out by Israel on the bases of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon are being strongly condemned at the international level. Lebanon's Foreign Ministry on Friday criticized Israel's attack. The Foreign Minister says that Israel has targeted the main base of UNIFIL and the base of the Sri Lankan battalion. According to reports, many peacekeepers have been injured in these attacks.
According to Lebanese state media, Israeli artillery targeted a UNIFIL watchtower and the main gate of the command center in Ras Nakura, causing major damage. In addition, Israeli Merkava tanks also attacked another UN tower located on the main road between Tire and Nakura. Although UNIFIL, which has been working in the area since 1978, has not yet commented on this attack, reports say that two peacekeepers have been injured in this attack.
Condemning the attack, China demanded an investigation into the matter and said that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are a violation of international humanitarian law. Italy, which provides a large number of troops to UNIFIL, also reacted strongly and said such actions were war crimes. America has expressed deep concern over this incident.
