Forty countries contributing to the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon condemned Israel’s recent attacks on UN peacekeepers, which have wounded at least 5 people. Israel’s recent attacks have included the firing of chemical irritants, which have causes skin irritation and gastrointestinal effects, tanks firing on and destroying the gate of a UNIFIL base in Ramyah, and forcibly entering a base, according to a UN statement.
The countries contributing to the mission, known as UNIFIL, said, “such actions must stop immediately and should be adequately investigated.”
UNIFIL has said that Israel’s has “repeatedly hit” its facilities and has been “deliberately” firing shots at the mission’s headquarters in the town of Naqoura. UN also stated that UNIFIL personnel were receiving treatment following Israeli forces shelling of a UNIFIL camp with shells that emitted smoke irritants.
“Despite putting on protective masks, fifteen peacekeepers suffered effects, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions, after the smoke entered the camp.”
The gastrointestinal reactions of the peacekeepers have led some to believe Israeli forces fired white phosphorous, a weapon which Amnesty International previously criticized Israel for using illegally in Lebanon.
Israel has demanded UN forces leave the area following its invasion of Lebanon; however, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said “there was a unanimous decision to stay”.
The UN statement reiterated attacks on UN personnel are illegal under international law.
“Breaching and entering a UN position is a further flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and resolution 1701. UNIFIL’s mandate provides for its freedom of movement in its area of operations, and any restriction on this is a violation of resolution 1701.”
Spain, France have harshly criticized Israel’s targeting of UN personnel and President Biden has said he was urging Israel to end its targeting of UN peacekeepers. France has also summoned the Israeli ambassador to discuss the attacks on three UN bases in south Lebanon, which constitute “serious violations of international law”, France’s foreign ministry said. “The Israeli authorities must explain themselves,” the ministry added.
The Polish mission to the UN posted on the social media site X, “We consider UNIFIL’s role as particularly crucial in light of the escalating situation in the region.”
UNIFIL was established in 1978 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon and help restore peace in the region. The force counts more than 10,000 troops drawn from 50 countries, as well as about 800 civilian staff.
Israel’s attacks in UN personnel follow the publication of a UN report that found Israel was seeking to destroy the healthcare system in Gaza and was abusing Palestinian detainees.
A separate recent UN report found that the level of aid entering Gaza is the lowest in months. Israel has closed crossings into northern Gaza and no food or essential supplies have entered since October 1. The U.N. independent investigator on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, accused Israel last month of carrying out a “starvation campaign” against Palestinians.
Yet another recent report in the Israeli publication Haaretz, citing Israeli defense officials, reported that the Israeli government is no longer interested in any hostage talks and is moving towards annexation of large parts of Gaza.