Lebanon Urges International Support to Safeguard UN Peacekeepers from Israeli Aggression

Beirut: The Lebanese Foreign Ministry has publicly appealed to the international community to support and protect the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), amid escalating tensions and attacks attributed to Israeli forces. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Monday urging global leaders and organizations to back UNIFIL, ensuring the safety and continuity of its operations in the region. The ministry highlighted the necessity of international condemnation against what it describes as the Israeli occupation, urging immediate cessation of hostile actions in line with United Nations principles. The statement detailed recent incidents, including an attack on Sunday where an Israeli army bulldozer reportedly demolished a watchtower and a fence at a UNIFIL site in Marwahin, a town in southern Lebanon. The ministry labeled these actions as severe violations of international and humanitarian laws, potentially amounting to war crimes. Since its establishme nt in 1978, UNIFIL has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry acknowledged the significant contributions of the peacekeeping force in local community development and regional stability, extending gratitude to the governments of the nations participating in the international force.