United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stern warning that any attacks targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon could be classified as war crimes. This statement follows a recent incident where Israeli tanks breached the gates of a UNIFIL peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that two Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of one of its positions and forcibly entered the site after previously blocking its movements. This marks the latest in a series of accusations against Israel for violating and attacking UNIFIL in recent days.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the importance of protecting peacekeepers, stating, \"UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions, and the UN flag continues to fly. Attacks against peacekeepers are breaches of international law, including international humanitarian law, and they may constitute a war crime.\"
Since September 23, Israel has intensified its air campaign in Lebanon, aptly named \"Arrows of the North,\" amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. This campaign has resulted in attacks on UNIFIL positions, injuring at least five peacekeepers over the past week.
In response to the recent breach, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the UN chief to relocate peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of using them as human shields. Despite these demands, UNIFIL has steadfastly refused to withdraw from the border area.
Andrea Tenenti, UNIFIL spokesperson, stated, \"There was a unanimous decision to stay because it's important for the UN flag to still fly high in this region, and to be able to report to the Security Council.\"
Established in March 1978 by the UN Security Council, UNIFIL's mission is to confirm Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in re-establishing effective authority in the area. Following the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, UNIFIL's mandate was expanded to monitor the cessation of hostilities and support the deployment of Lebanese armed forces throughout southern Lebanon as Israeli troops withdrew.
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UN chief: Attacks on Lebanon peacekeepers could constitute war crimes
cgtn.com