Key Points:
- 63 nations and EU issue joint statement at United Nations.
- Three Indonesian peacekeepers killed in separate deadly incidents.
- Countries demand accountability for those responsible for attacks
- UNIFIL mission faces growing threats amid escalating regional tensions
ISLAMABAD: Dozens of countries have strongly condemned recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, urging immediate steps to enhance their protection amid escalating violence in the region.
A group of 63 countries along with the European Union issued a joint statement at the United Nations, denouncing “unacceptable aggressive behaviour” against UN peacekeepers. The condemnation follows the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers serving under the UN mission in southern Lebanon.
The statement reflects growing international alarm over the deteriorating security situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, where cross-border hostilities have intensified in recent weeks.
Mounting humanitarian crisis
The countries also voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon. They highlighted the heavy toll on civilians, including rising casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of over one million people.
Aid agencies have warned that the ongoing conflict risks overwhelming Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system and worsening food insecurity, particularly in conflict-affected southern regions.
Accountability for attacks
The joint statement was delivered by Indonesia’s UN Ambassador Umar Hadi, who was joined by numerous envoys representing endorsing nations. It emphasised that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable.
Support for UNIFIL mission
Reaffirming their full support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the countries called on the UN and the Security Council to strengthen safety measures for peacekeepers operating in “an increasingly volatile environment.”
UNIFIL currently deploys thousands of troops from multiple countries, including contingents from Asia and Europe, tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in the south.
Reaffirmation of Lebanon’s sovereignty
The statement also urged all parties involved in the conflict to return to dialogue and reiterated a strong commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and unity.
Observers say renewed diplomatic engagement is essential to prevent a broader regional escalation involving multiple state and non-state actors.
More countries may join
Ambassador Hadi indicated that additional countries may soon endorse the statement, signalling expanding global concern over the situation. Notably, Israel, Lebanon, and the United States were not listed among the endorsing nations.
Escalation and UN response
Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned large-scale Israeli strikes carried out across Lebanon earlier this week, which UN officials say resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties.
The strikes mark one of the most intense waves of violence in Lebanon in recent years, raising fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East.
Probe into peacekeeper deaths
According to preliminary findings from a UN investigation into the deaths of the three Indonesian peacekeepers on March 29 and 30, one soldier was killed by an Israeli tank projectile, while two others died in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device, believed to have been planted by Hezbollah.
