Saturday
21st Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz UNIFIL peacekeepers patrol in the vicinity of Tyre, south Lebanon. (file)
China has strongly condemned the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after their forces fired on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon early Thursday morning, injuring two personnel. Beijing emphasized the need for an immediate de-escalation of violence and called on all parties to respect international law and ensure the safety of peacekeeping missions.
The incident occurred at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s (UNIFIL) Naqoura headquarters, situated along the UN-mandated Blue Line that separates Lebanon and Israel.
"UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters and nearby positions have been repeatedly hit," the UN mission said in a statement. "This morning, two peacekeepers were injured when an IDF Merkava tank fired at an observation tower at our headquarters, directly hitting it and causing the personnel to fall."
The injuries sustained by the peacekeepers were not severe, but both remain hospitalized. China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, expressed deep concern over the attacks, which violate international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, designed to maintain peace between Israel and Lebanon following the 2006 conflict.
Rising Tensions Along the Blue Line
The recent escalation in violence has caused widespread destruction across towns and villages in southern Lebanon, as rockets continue to be launched toward Israeli civilian areas. The IDF’s aggressive actions against UN peacekeepers, including disabling surveillance equipment and damaging UN facilities, have added to growing international alarm.
"IDF forces deliberately fired on UNIFIL positions, including the UNP 1-32A site where peacekeepers and IDF personnel previously held Tripartite meetings," UNIFIL reported, detailing further damage to lighting systems, relay stations, and monitoring cameras.
In Ras Naqoura, another IDF attack hit the entrance to a bunker where UN peacekeepers were sheltering, damaging vehicles and a communications system. An IDF drone was also spotted flying close to the bunker entrance.
China urged all parties to adhere strictly to Resolution 1701, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and security along the Blue Line. It called on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
"We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times," UNIFIL stated.
"IDF forces deliberately fired on UNIFIL positions, including the UNP 1-32A site where peacekeepers and IDF personnel previously held Tripartite meetings," UNIFIL reported, detailing further damage to lighting systems, relay stations, and monitoring cameras.
In Ras Naqoura, another IDF attack hit the entrance to a bunker where UN peacekeepers were sheltering, damaging vehicles and a communications system. An IDF drone was also spotted flying close to the bunker entrance.
China urged all parties to adhere strictly to Resolution 1701, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and security along the Blue Line. It called on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
"We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times," UNIFIL stated.