Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again called for UN peacekeepers to “temporarily leave the combat zone” in Lebanon, denying accusations that Israel deliberately attacked UNIFIL personnel. International criticism has been mounting after Israeli forces targeted UN peacekeepers during their ground operation in Lebanon. Despite this, the UNIFIL chief has stated that peacekeepers will remain in southern Lebanon despite Israel’s request.
The UN has condemned the attacks on its peacekeepers, calling them a violation of international law and potentially amounting to war crimes. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties, including the Israeli Defense Forces, to refrain from actions that put peacekeepers at risk. The Security Council has expressed strong support for UNIFIL’s presence in southern Lebanon and emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict and protect civilians.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a growing number of displaced people. The Security Council has called on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians. They have also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict and allow civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to safely return to their homes.
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