Attacks on UNIFIL Peacekeepers May Be War Crimes: UN Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres cautioned that assaults on peacekeepers "may constitute a war crime," following an incident in which Israeli tanks attacked a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon, his spokesperson said on Sunday.
The United Nations voiced alarm on Sunday after Israeli tanks damaged the main gate of a peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon and entered the premises, escalating tensions amid ongoing Israeli violations against the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that UNIFIL personnel and facilities "must never be targeted," noting that attacks on peacekeepers breach international law and "may constitute a war crime." Despite the incident, Dujarric confirmed that "UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions, and the UN flag continues to fly."
The breach occurred as UNIFIL reported that two Israeli tanks had "forcibly entered" one of its positions after blocking the movement of peacekeepers the previous day. The incident marks a continuation of heightened tensions since the Israeli military launched an air campaign in Lebanon on September 23. At least five UN peacekeepers have been injured in attacks on UNIFIL positions over the past week.
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the UN to relocate peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of using them as "human shields." However, UNIFIL has maintained its commitment to staying in the area despite the risks. "There was a unanimous decision to stay because it's important for the UN flag to still fly high in this region, and to be able to report to the Security Council," UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said on Saturday.
Established by the UN Security Council in 1978, UNIFIL was initially tasked with confirming Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, restoring international peace and security, and supporting the Lebanese government in regaining authority in the region. Following the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, its mandate was expanded to monitor the cessation of hostilities and assist in the deployment of Lebanese forces in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops withdrew.
The latest incident underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of peacekeepers amid rising violence and highlights the challenges UNIFIL faces in carrying out its mission under increasingly volatile conditions.