In the midst of escalating tensions in the Middle East, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday condemned an Israeli attack in south Lebanon that injured two Indonesian military personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The incident occurred on Thursday when an Israeli tank reportedly fired upon a watchtower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura. The attack resulted in injuries to two peacekeepers from Indonesia, a contributing nation to the UN mission. UNIFIL, which has approximately 10,000 peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep concern over the attack, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding UN personnel who work tirelessly to promote stability in conflict zones. “Attacks on UN peacekeepers are unacceptable and undermine the efforts to maintain peace and security in the region,” he stated.
In addition to the UN’s condemnation, China also strongly denounced the incident. The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday called for restraint from all parties involved, urging respect for international law and the protection of UN personnel. “China opposes any actions that harm UN peacekeepers and calls for an immediate investigation into the incident,” the ministry’s spokesperson said.
The Middle East continues to grapple with rising tensions, and incidents like this highlight the fragility of peace in the region. UNIFIL has been a presence in Lebanon since 1978, working to restore peace and support the Lebanese government in regaining authority over the southern part of the country.
The international community watches closely as developments unfold, with many nations advocating for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. The safety of UN peacekeepers remains a paramount concern, as they are instrumental in facilitating dialogue and maintaining ceasefires in volatile areas.
As the situation evolves, KhabarAsia.com will provide updates on developments across different regions of the Middle East, focusing on efforts to maintain peace and the implications for regional stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
