India on Saturday joined the troop-contributing countries to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a day after expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation along the Israel-Lebanon border. Also stood against the actions of the Israeli army. Let us tell you that two United Nations peacekeepers have been injured in Lebanon.
India's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York said in a post on Twitter: “India, as a major troop contributing country, fully stands with the joint statement issued by the 34 UNIFIL troop contributor countries. The safety of peacekeepers is paramount. And this should be ensured in accordance with existing UNSC resolutions.”
Two Sri Lankan UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli attack near their watchtower in Nakoura, southern Lebanon, on Friday, the Israeli military said. For the second time in 48 hours, explosions have hit the main base of peacekeepers in the region. The UNIFIL force called it a serious development and said the safety of UN personnel and assets must be guaranteed.
The force consists of more than 10,000 peacekeepers from dozens of countries. The number of Indian soldiers in this is the second largest. About 900 soldiers of India are involved in this.
The statement also reflects India's uneasiness over Israel's actions targeting UN forces. Let us tell you that in the last one year, India had adopted a balanced stance on Israel's actions against Hamas and Hezbollah. But now India has taken a stand against Israel.
India on Friday expressed concern over reports of UN peacekeepers being trapped in fighting in southern Lebanon and the deteriorating security situation. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “We are concerned about the deteriorating security situation on the Blue Line. We are monitoring the situation closely.” The 120-kilometre Blue Line is the UN-recognized demarcation line marking the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. It separates Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights, but is not an official international border.
“The integrity of the UN premises must be respected by all and appropriate measures must be taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Defending Israeli military actions, Israel's Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Friday said Hezbollah was using peacekeepers as shields to fire at Israel close to UNIFIL positions. Israel will continue to take steps to protect UN forces and coordinate necessary steps with all responsible countries for their protection.
