New Delhi: India has voiced serious concerns regarding the safety of its peacekeeping troops stationed in southern Lebanon, following Israeli military strikes that have placed United Nations (UN) forces in jeopardy. The heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have raised alarms, particularly for the 600 Indian soldiers who are part of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday highlighted the escalating violence along the Blue Line, the border demarcating Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights. The MEA stressed the importance of maintaining the security of UN premises and ensuring the safety of personnel amid the deteriorating conditions.
Our statement on recent developments in southern Lebanon: https://t.co/9Nw17qCLxL pic.twitter.com/8nSluhR8DI
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 11, 2024
This comes after the UN reported that an Israeli military attack targeted UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) positions at their main base in Naqoura. A UN statement confirmed that the soldiers were injured after an Israeli Merkava tank fired at a UNIFIL observation tower, causing it to collapse. “The injuries are fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital,” the statement added.
This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it and causing them to fall. The injuries are fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital.
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 10, 2024
The IDF has justified its actions, accusing Hezbollah of operating near UNIFIL posts. “The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL,” the IDF stated.
Hezbollah operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near @UNIFIL_ posts.
The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base.…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 10, 2024
The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border has rapidly escalated after the assassination of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, further heightening tensions between Israel and the militant group. In response, Israel has been using land-based weaponry in its strikes on Hezbollah targets, putting peacekeepers stationed in the region at increased risk.
The Indian contingent in UNIFIL, comprising over 900 soldiers, will continue its operations despite Israel’s decision to advance into southern Lebanon. The peacekeepers, stationed to monitor the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, remain critical to maintaining stability in the region.
