UN Secretary-General Condemns Attack on UNIFIL Convoy Near Beirut

Beirut: The Secretary-General of the United Nations has issued a condemnation following an attack on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy near Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. The incident, which occurred on February 14, involved a group of protestors on the main road to the airport, resulting in several peacekeepers being injured and a UNIFIL vehicle being set on fire. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Secretary-General emphasized that such attacks are unacceptable and called for accountability for the perpetrators. The statement highlighted that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be maintained at all times, noting that attacks against peacekeepers violate international law, including international humanitarian law, and may be considered war crimes. The statement reaffirmed UNIFIL's continued commitment to supporting the parties in Lebanon to adhere to their obligations under Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). It stressed that UN IFIL must be granted unrestricted freedom of movement throughout Lebanon to carry out its mandated activities effectively. The Secretary-General urged all parties to uphold their obligations and work towards the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, aiming for a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.