Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the United Nations to investigate Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, following multiple incidents involving personnel from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The rights group warned that Israel’s actions against peacekeepers could violate international law. “With over 2,000 people killed and over one million people displaced in Lebanon since mid-September, it is crucial for Unifil to be allowed to fulfil its civilian protection and humanitarian functions”, said Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East and North Africa director.
Recent attacks include fire on a UNIFIL outpost on Friday morning, strikes on its Naqoura headquarters on Thursday that injured two peacekeepers, and an incident on Wednesday where Israeli forces fired at a UNIFIL position.
“Any targeting of UN peacekeepers by Israeli forces violates the laws of war and dangerously interferes with UNIFIL’s civilian protection and aid work.”
— Andrew Stroehlein (@astroehlein) October 11, 2024
– @lamamfakih https://t.co/9tDpzPQ0GJ
In a diplomatic development, France has summoned Israel’s ambassador over these incidents. The French foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that the summons was in response to Israeli troops opening fire at three positions held by UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, including UNIFIL’s main base at Naqoura.
UNIFIL, which has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon since 1978, stated that its 10,400-strong force would remain in place unless the situation becomes untenable.
The peacekeeping mission faces severe movement restrictions due to Israeli troop presence in the area.
HRW called for an urgent international investigation in both Lebanon and Israel, with results to be made public. The organisation emphasised that peacekeepers, including armed members, are considered civilians under international law.
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