UN Security Council Condemns Killing of 3 Indonesian Peacekeepers in Lebanon

The UN Security Council has strongly condemned incidents that killed three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Council members reaffirmed support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of its personnel. They called for an investigation into the attacks, which also injured five other peacekeepers in recent weeks. The statement reiterated the commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

Key Points: UN Condemns Killing of Peacekeepers in Lebanon, Demands Safety

  • UN condemns killing of 3 Indonesian peacekeepers
  • Urges safety and freedom of movement for UNIFIL
  • Calls for full investigation into incidents
  • Reiterates commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty
2 min read

UN Security Council condemns killing of three UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

UN Security Council condemns attacks killing 3 Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon, calls for investigation and protection of personnel.

"peacekeepers must never be targeted - UN Security Council statement"

United Nations, April 2

The UN Security Council decried incidents that killed three Indonesian peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

In a press statement, Security Council members on Wednesday reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of its personnel and premises, as well as the mission's freedom of movement, in accordance with international law. They also called on parties to refrain from actions that could endanger peacekeepers.

Recalling that peacekeepers must never be targeted, they called on the United Nations to investigate the incidents through UNIFIL and keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of progress, consistent with the objectives of Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021).

They also called on parties to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and reiterated their strong commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity, Xinhua news agency reported.

Five other peacekeepers were injured on Sunday and Monday. In recent weeks, several other incidents have affected UNIFIL positions and injured peacekeepers against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, according to the statement.

Earlier on March 31, Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares had "unequivocally" condemned the killing of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), expressing outrage at the attacks and demanded an investigation in an interview with Radio Euskadi.

The three Indonesian troops, who were part of a Spanish-led UNIFIL contingent, were killed in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon following explosions caused by projectiles of unknown origin. The incidents occurred in an area where Israeli forces were operating.

Spain is one of the troop-contributing countries to UNIFIL, with around 600 to 700 personnel deployed in Lebanon, and leads UNIFIL's eastern sector.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very sad news. India also contributes significantly to UN peacekeeping. It reminds us of the risks our own soldiers face in such missions. The international community must do more to protect these brave men and women.
A
Aman W
Strong condemnation is necessary, but it's not enough. "Projectiles of unknown origin" in an area where Israeli forces operate? The report seems cautious. A clear attribution is needed for accountability. Peacekeepers are not targets.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from Delhi. The situation in the Middle East is so volatile. It endangers everyone, including those sent to keep the peace. Hope the injured peacekeepers recover soon. The world cannot afford another major conflict.
V
Vikram M
Respect to Indonesia and Spain for their service. UNIFIL has been there since 1978! It shows how deep-rooted the tensions are. Sometimes I wonder if these missions need a stronger mandate or if a political solution is the only real answer.
K
Karthik V
While the condemnation is correct, the Security Council must move beyond statements. They "reiterated their strong commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty" – but what concrete steps are being taken to prevent such attacks? Action is needed, not just words.

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