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The European Union issued a strong condemnation on Monday regarding the recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon, while also refuting allegations that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is impeding the Israeli military’s operations.
A significant European presence is seen within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which comprises 10,000 personnel and has been tasked with monitoring the borders between Lebanon and Israel for almost five decades. Currently, 16 EU member states are directly contributing to these peacekeeping efforts.
Amid escalating tensions, Israel has expressed demands for the withdrawal of UNIFIL from the region.
Intensifying international scrutiny has emerged following a series of incidents in which Israeli forces have targeted UN peacekeepers. Since the onset of Israeli ground operations in Lebanon two weeks ago, five peacekeepers have sustained injuries from attacks that have largely been attributed to Israeli military actions.
‘It’s completely unacceptable’
The relationship between Israel and the United Nations has soured further, particularly in light of Israel’s military conduct in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The offensive was launched in retaliation for a catastrophic attack on October 7, 2023, when approximately 1,200 individuals were killed, and around 250 taken hostage, as reported by Israeli figures. In contrast, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 42,000 Palestinian fatalities during the ensuing military operations.
In a historic move, Israel declared Guterres persona non grata earlier this month, further straining diplomatic relations.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, emphasized the critical nature of UNIFIL’s mission, asserting that assaults on United Nations personnel are “completely unacceptable.” Prior to a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Borrell reiterated that the UN Security Council holds the authority to determine the force’s future, urging all parties to refrain from scapegoating Guterres.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a recent address, insisted that UNIFIL heed Israel’s requests for evacuation, alleging that they were essentially providing cover for Hezbollah. In a video message directed to Guterres, Netanyahu insisted, “Get UNIFIL out of the danger zone.”
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, representing one of Europe’s staunchest supporters of Israel, condemned the assaults, labeling them as “simply unacceptable” and reaffirmed that UNIFIL would not abandon its mission. “They will not withdraw. Yes, they will continue to fulfill the mandate. And we demand that all parties respect this mandate and the safety of our blue helmets,” he stated to the press.
Ireland accuses Israel of working to undermine UN
Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin has voiced concerns about Israel’s actions, suggesting that the state is attempting to obscure its military activities in both Lebanon and Gaza while undermining the authority of the United Nations.
When questioned about Israel’s rationale for insisting on the exit of UNIFIL peacekeepers, Martin explained that the intent is “essentially to drive the eyes and ears out of south Lebanon and to give itself free rein.”
“We cannot allow the dismantling of the credibility and structures of the United Nations, especially its peacekeeping forces,” Martin remarked, speaking in Luxembourg where EU foreign ministers convened. “We see the dire need for monitoring in places like northern Gaza, as the international community lacks a comprehensive understanding of the situation there,” he articulated.
WATCH | France, Italy condemn Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon:
France, Italy condemn Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
On Friday, two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured following explosions near a watchtower in southern Lebanon, as reported by UNIFIL. This incident came after prior attacks, where peacekeepers sustained injuries due to Israeli gunfire directed at UN positions earlier in the week. France, Italy, and Secretary-General Guterres have all condemned these hostile actions. In response, the Israeli military announced it would conduct a review of the incidents.
Martin expressed that Israel is not only undermining the United Nations and its peacekeeping forces but also jeopardizing the broader rules-based international order, urging the country to reassess its approach.
He called on his EU colleagues to “stand up now on the side of what’s right and proper and moral in terms of humanity.”
A spokesperson from Germany’s Foreign Office reinforced that “all parties to the conflict, including the Israeli army, are obligated to conduct their military operations exclusively against the military targets of their opponents.” Sebastian Fischer indicated that a thorough investigation is anticipated, with ongoing discussions taking place with Israeli officials concerning the matter.
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