UNIFIL Attacks: 10 Nations & EU Condemn Lebanon Violence

Foreign ministers from several European nations and the European Union have strongly condemned recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which resulted in the deaths of three peacekeepers. The officials urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises.

UNIFIL Attacks Condemned

The statement, released Tuesday, described the recent casualties among peacekeepers in Lebanon as “unacceptable.” It emphasized the need for all parties to respect international law and guarantee the safety of UNIFIL personnel.

The joint statement voiced strong support for UNIFIL’s mandate in southern Lebanon and called for continued efforts to maintain open deconfliction channels.

Officials also called for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, peacekeepers, and civilian infrastructure – including airports, ports, and bridges – in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The statement specifically urged Israel to avoid escalating the conflict, including through a ground operation in Lebanese territory, and reaffirmed the importance of respecting Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

Cross-border fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah has intensified along the Lebanon-Israel border since March 2. Three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed earlier this week in separate incidents in southern Lebanon, coinciding with increased Israeli airstrikes and military operations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated Tuesday that Israel has declined to respond to calls from Lebanon, Arab nations, and the international community to cease military operations and begin negotiations.