India Raises Concerns Over Safety of UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon After Israeli Strikes

New Delhi: India has voiced concerns over the safety of its UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah positions in the region. Approximately 600 Indian soldiers are part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed along the volatile Blue Line, the border separating Israel and Lebanon.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We are concerned about the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate.”

Our statement on recent developments in southern Lebanon: https://t.co/9Nw17qCLxL pic.twitter.com/8nSluhR8DI

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 11, 2024

This comes after the United Nations reported multiple strikes on UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters by Israeli forces. On Thursday, a Merkava tank fired at an observation post near the UNIFIL base, injuring two peacekeepers. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening, but they remain hospitalised.

The security situation in southern Lebanon has worsened following the assassination of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, with Israeli forces increasing the use of land-based artillery, heightening the risks for UN troops stationed in the area.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have accused Hezbollah of operating near UNIFIL posts. In response to Thursday’s incident, the IDF stated that its troops had operated in Naqoura, near a UNIFIL base, and had warned UN forces to stay in protected areas before launching their attack.