The UN Security Council expressed condemnation for the incidents that resulted in the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Security Council members reiterated their unwavering support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to prioritize the safety and security of its personnel and facilities, along with ensuring the mission’s freedom of movement in compliance with international law. Emphasizing that peacekeepers should never be targeted, they called for a thorough investigation by the United Nations through UNIFIL, in line with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021).
Five other peacekeepers sustained injuries in separate incidents on Sunday and Monday, amidst a series of recent hostilities along the Blue Line that have impacted UNIFIL positions and personnel. The Security Council also urged full adherence to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and reaffirmed their resolute commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and unity, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares strongly denounced the attacks that led to the deaths of the three Indonesian peacekeepers, who were part of a Spanish-led UNIFIL contingent. The fatal incidents occurred due to explosions caused by projectiles of unidentified origin in southern Lebanon, an area where Israeli forces were present. Spain, a significant contributor to UNIFIL with approximately 600 to 700 personnel stationed in Lebanon, leads the mission’s eastern sector.
