UNIFIL Demands Lebanon Probe Into Peacekeeper Assault
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Thursday urged Lebanese authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into an assault on one of its peacekeepers in the southern Lebanese village of Taybeh. The incident, reported by UNIFIL on social media platform X, occurred during a patrol when a group of young men attacked the peacekeeper, resulting in injury.
In a statement, UNIFIL emphasized the severity of the situation, calling for swift justice against all involved in the attack. The organization highlighted that such assaults on peacekeepers not only defy UN Resolution 1701 but also violate Lebanese law. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of hostility toward UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
Despite these challenges, UNIFIL affirmed its commitment to maintaining its operations in the region. The statement underscored the importance of peacekeepers’ freedom of movement, which is essential for upholding security and stability along the Blue Line.
The European Union ambassadors have also intervened, advocating for the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel. They stressed the need for Lebanese authorities to ensure unimpeded freedom of movement for UNIFIL, enabling the effective fulfillment of its mandate.
