Countries want probe into Israeli attack on UN peacekeepers

Countries participating within the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (Unifil), including Malaysia, have called for an investigation into the Israeli forces’ attacks on the peacekeepers.

The statement, which was posted on X by the Polish UN mission last night, also condemned the Israeli forces for the attacks on their troops.

“As the countries contributors to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we reaffirm our full support for Unifil’s mission and activities, whose principal aim is to bring stabilisation and lasting peace in South Lebanon as well as in the Middle East, in line with relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

“We consider Unifil’s role as particularly crucial in light of the escalating situation in the region.

“We, therefore, strongly condemn recent attacks on the Unifil’s peacekeepers. Such actions must stop immediately and should be adequately investigated,” it said.

On Oct 5, the Malaysian peacekeeping battalion (Malbatt) 850-11 in Lebanon was ordered to stop all patrols and logistics movements and remain in their respective locations for safety following Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which killed over 2,000 people.

However, On Oct 11, the Israeli attacks injured two Unifil peacekeepers, prompting criticism from United Nations General Assembly president Philemon Yang.

“He realises the crucial role that Unifil (UN Interim Force in Lebanon) plays in terms of the maintenance of peace and security,” UNGA spokesperson Sharon Birch said in response to a question at a news conference.

She added that Yang has urged all sides to fulfil their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law.

As of yesterday, five Unifil peacekeepers were injured by the attacks.

On that note, Unifil participating nations urged all parties involved to respect the peacekeepers’ presence in Lebanon, which involves the obligation to guarantee the safety and security of its personnel at all times.

“We reiterate our commitment to multilateral cooperation with the UN at its core. We call for respect for international law, in particular the Charter of the UN as well as the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”

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