India Condemns Attack on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon
India has voiced strong opposition to an attack in Lebanon that killed a Serbian UN peacekeeper, emphasizing the need for accountability and safety of UN personnel.
Highlights
- •India condemns the attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, calling for full accountability and protection of their personnel.
- •The incident resulted in the death of one Serbian Blue Helmet and injuries to others from Spain and El Salvador.
- •Secretary-General Antonio Guterress stressed the importance of stopping attacks against peacekeepers as they violate international law.
- •Since March 2023, seven UNIFIL peacekeepers have been killed, highlighting ongoing security issues for UN missions.
India has issued a strong condemnation of the attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, which resulted in the death of Serbian military personnel and injuries to others. The incident occurred when a mortar hit a UN position near Marji'yun within Sector East.
The Blue Helmets, comprising both military and civilian experts serving under the UN's operational command, suffered significant casualties. The attack on Wednesday led to the loss of life among Serbian peacekeepers and injuries to personnel from Spain and El Salvador.
India's Response
In a statement, India's Permanent Representative at the United Nations Harish Parvathaneni expressed sincere condolences to Serbia for the loss of their soldier. He also wished a swift recovery to the injured and called upon the international community to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers operating under mandates from the UN Security Council.
India highlighted the importance of respecting the sanctity and inviolability of UN premises and personnel, urging all parties involved to protect these crucial assets. The country also emphasized its commitment to full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2589 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.
The incident is not an isolated event; seven UNIFIL peacekeepers have been killed and several others wounded since March this year, according to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This underscores the ongoing challenges faced by peacekeeping missions in volatile regions like Lebanon.
Guterres stated that attacks on peacekeepers must cease as they violate international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions, potentially amounting to war crimes. His statement also criticized Hezbollah's "reckless" actions for contributing to the escalation of violence in the region.
Earlier this year, India had condemned similar incidents and supported UNIFIL in expressing concern over escalating hostilities. The attack on Wednesday has reignited discussions about the safety and security measures required for UN peacekeepers deploying to conflict zones.
