‘Inviolability Must Be Respected’: India Expresses Concern After Israeli Attack On UN Peacekeepers In Lebanon

India on Friday expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in southern Lebanon following reports that United Nations peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli strike.

“We are concerned at the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement

The MEA further emphasised that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected by everyone.

“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,” the statement added.

The MEA’s statement comes after Lebanon condemned an Israeli attack that reportedly wounded UN peacekeepers in the southern part of the country.

The Lebanon’s foreign ministry on Friday said that the bombing by Israel targeted “watchtowers and the main UNIFIL base in Ras Naqura, and on the Sri Lankan battalion’s base, which led to a number of wounded.”

Meanwhile, a UN source told Reuters that the Israeli attack on the observation post belonging to the UNIFIL peacekeeping force at its main base in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, wounded two people

The source further said that Israeli forces had also breached the perimeter of another UNIFIL position that they had fired at on Thursday.

Indian Troops In UN Peacekeeping Force

More than 900 Indian troops are currently serving in the United Nations Interim Force in South Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UNIFIL comprises around 10,500 peacekeepers from 50 contributing countries, including India. Seventeen per cent of its activities are conducted in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The mission is also supported by a five-vessel Maritime Task Force.

Established under UN Security Council resolutions 425 and 426 in 1978, UNIFIL was tasked with overseeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, restoring international peace and security, and assisting the Government of Lebanon in re-establishing its authority in the area.

In 2006, following a deadly conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, UN Security Council resolution 1701 mandated UNIFIL to monitor the cessation of hostilities and to support the Lebanese Armed Forces as they deployed throughout the south, including along the Blue Line.

(With inputs from agencies)

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