India condemns attack on UN peacekeepers deployed with UNIFIL; calls for immediate investigation
New York, June 5
India condemned the attack carried out on UN peacekeepers deployed with UNIFIL on Thursday and paid tribute to the fallen Serbian Blue Helmet.
The Permanent Mission of India in New York wished early recovery to the injured peacekeepers and reiterated the fundamental importance of respecting the sanctity and inviolability of UN premises and personnel.
In a post on X, it urged upon all parties to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, who operate under UN Security Council mandates.
"India urges full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2589 on Accountability for Crimes against Peacekeepers, and calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into this attack to bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure full accountability", the post added.
UNIFIL announced on Thursday that a UNIFIL peacekeeper died early morning from critical injuries sustained when mortar shells struck his position near Marjayoun, southeastern Lebanon.
Two other peacekeepers sustained injuries, and are being treated at a medical facility in the UNIFIL base.
The UNIFIL said that it has launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
It reiterated the call on all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times, including by refraining from actions that may put peacekeepers in danger.
"Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes", the statement further noted.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack and highlighted that seven peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL have now been killed, with several more wounded, since the escalation in hostilities since March this year. He called for these attacks to stop.
— ANI
Reader Comments
India has always been a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions. This attack shows how dangerous their job is. I just hope the international community doesn't just issue statements but actually takes concrete action. Words alone won't bring back the fallen soldier.
It's tragic that peacekeepers are being targeted like this. India's call for accountability under UNSC Resolution 2589 is spot on. But let's be honest - how many investigations actually lead to justice? The cycle of violence in the region continues, and peacekeepers get caught in the crossfire.
Seven peacekeepers killed since March alone! This is alarming. India is right to demand a thorough investigation. These brave men and women from different nations serve under the UN flag, and attacks on them must be treated as war crimes. Shame on those responsible.
India's strong stance is commendable, but I wish we would also push for a political solution to the conflicts that make peacekeeping necessary in the first place. You can't just keep sending peacekeepers into war zones without addressing root causes. Just my two paise.
Sad day for the international community. My heart goes out to the family of the Serbian peacekeeper who lost his life. India's call for investigation is necessary, but let's not forget - these attacks happen because some actors show zero respect for international law. 😢
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.