The safety of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon is “increasingly at risk” and the operational activities of the UNIFIL mission have effectively ceased since September 23, mission chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council on Thursday.
“Peacekeepers have been confined to their bases, spending significant periods in shelters,” Lacroix said, emphasising that UNIFIL stands ready to support all efforts towards a diplomatic solution.
Lacroix stressed that while UNIFIL is mandated to support the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, it is ultimately up to the parties themselves to implement the provisions of this resolution.
Resolution 1701 mandates UNIFIL to assist the Lebanese army in maintaining the border area with Israel free of weapons systems or armed personnel other than those of the regular army.
In a related development, Canada, a country that has supported Israel’s military operation in Lebanon, described as “alarming and unacceptable” an incident where Israeli soldiers reportedly fired on UN peacekeepers.
1/2 The IDF firing on #UNIFIL peacekeepers and first responders in #Lebanon is alarming and unacceptable. Canada reiterates its full support for UNIFIL and its critical role in contributing to a diplomatic settlement consistent with UNSCR 1701.
— Foreign Policy CAN (@CanadaFP) October 10, 2024
UNIFIL earlier announced that two of its members were wounded when Israeli tanks fired on an observation post at the mission’s headquarters in Ras al-Naqoura.
“Canada calls for the protection of peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, and for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a post on X platform.
(information from amna.gr)
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