On Friday, Israeli forces launched an assault on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in southern Lebanon. This attack came a day after two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured by Israeli fire. The assault resulted in several Sri Lankan peacekeepers being wounded.
Location and Details of the Attack
- Targeted Area: An Israeli Merkava tank struck a UNIFIL observation tower along the main route between Tyre and Naqoura, close to a Lebanese Army checkpoint.
- Casualties and Damage: Sri Lankan personnel were injured at the observation post, and Israeli artillery fire caused structural damage to the main entrance of the UNIFIL Command Centre in Naqoura. This was the second attack on the command centre in three days.
Accusations Against Israel
UNIFIL has accused the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) of deliberately targeting their positions. These accusations include:
- Attacks on UN Positions: A surveillance camera at position 1-31 in Labbouneh was fired upon, and a bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering was hit by Israeli forces.
- Continued Fire on Peacekeepers: UNIFIL reported that IDF forces opened fire on three separate peacekeeping positions.
International Reactions and Condemnations
- China: The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as violations of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
- Italy: Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called the attacks “potential war crimes” and demanded explanations from Israel.
- Indonesia: Indonesia’s UN Ambassador Hari Prabowo criticised the attacks, stating that they displayed Israel’s disregard for international law.
- United States: A National Security Council spokesperson expressed deep concern, stressing the need for UN peacekeeper safety.
- France and Spain: Both countries expressed concern over the attacks, with Spain denouncing the incident as a violation of international law.
UNIFIL’s Role and Challenges
UNIFIL, composed of around 10,000 peacekeepers, was established to oversee Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon after the 1978 conflict. Its mandate was expanded after the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war to help enforce Resolution 1701.
- Resolution 1701: It mandates that southern Lebanon should remain free of armed groups except for the Lebanese Armed Forces. However, Israel has criticised both UNIFIL and the Lebanese military for failing to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the region.
- Current Operations: Due to ongoing hostilities, 300 UNIFIL troops have been relocated to larger bases, and another 200 are expected to follow. A UNIFIL contractor has already been killed during the conflict.
Escalation of Conflict
Since September 23, Israel has conducted widespread airstrikes across Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah facilities. These strikes have resulted in:
- Casualties: At least 1,351 deaths, over 3,800 injuries, and the displacement of more than 1.2 million people.
- Gaza Offensive: Simultaneously, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has caused over 42,000 deaths, predominantly women and children.
Despite warnings of a broader conflict, Israel has escalated military operations with a ground incursion into southern Lebanon on October 1.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was targeted by an Israeli Merkava tank in southern Lebanon?
- a) A Hezbollah base
- b) A UNIFIL observation tower
- c) A Lebanese military facility
- d) A civilian hospital
Answer: b) A UNIFIL observation tower
- Which country’s peacekeepers were injured in the attack on UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura?
- a) French
- b) Italian
- c) Sri Lankan
- d) Indonesian
Answer: c) Sri Lankan
- What is the primary mandate of UNIFIL under UN Security Council Resolution 1701?
- a) Overseeing Israeli airstrikes
- b) Ensuring that southern Lebanon is free of armed groups except for the Lebanese Armed Forces
- c) Providing humanitarian aid to displaced persons
- d) Facilitating peace negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah
Answer: b) Ensuring that southern Lebanon is free of armed groups except for the Lebanese Armed Forces
- Which country’s foreign ministry described the attacks on UNIFIL as a breach of international humanitarian law?
- a) United States
- b) Italy
- c) China
- d) France
Answer: c) China
- What action did Israel initiate on October 1, escalating the conflict with Lebanon?
- a) Aerial bombings of Beirut
- b) A ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah
- c) A ground incursion into southern Lebanon
- d) Diplomatic talks with the UN
Answer: c) A ground incursion into southern Lebanon