India Raises Concerns Over UN Peacekeepers’ Safety

India Affirms, “UN Premises Must Remain Inviolable”

In Shorts

India expressed concerns over Israeli attacks on peacekeepers in Lebanon.
Israeli fire struck UNIFIL headquarters and nearby positions.
600 Indian soldiers are part of the UN peacekeeping mission.

India has raised concerns regarding the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon after they were targeted by Israeli forces during attacks on Hezbollah positions. This statement comes in the wake of the UN reporting that the Naqoura headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) and nearby positions have been repeatedly struck by Israeli forces. Notably, 600 Indian soldiers are deployed along the 120-km Blue Line, which separates Israel from Lebanon.

In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, “We are concerned about the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely. The inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures must be taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate.” This remark follows a UN announcement that the Naqoura headquarters has been under frequent fire from Israeli forces.

“This morning, two peacekeepers were injured when an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon at an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it,” the UN statement read.

“The injuries are fortunately not serious this time, but they remain in hospital,” it added.

The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated rapidly after the assassination of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Israel is reportedly employing land-based weaponry in this region, increasing risks for troops stationed there.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have accused Hezbollah of operating near UNIFIL posts. In a statement, the IDF said, “The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.”

“This morning (Thursday), IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base. Accordingly, the IDF instructed UN forces in the area to remain in protected spaces, following which the forces opened fire in the area,” the statement added.