BEIRUT: Israel acknowledged on Friday that its forces fired at a “threat” near a UN peacekeeping position in Lebanon, leading to the injury of four UN Blue Helmets. The incident, which occurred over two days, has triggered a wave of diplomatic backlash.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon confirmed that two more of its peacekeepers were wounded on Friday, just one day after two Indonesian Blue Helmets were injured in the same area. Israel’s army admitted the peacekeepers had been “inadvertently hurt” during clashes, and they promised to conduct a “thorough review” at the highest levels.
Condemnation from International Leaders
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from global leaders. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, calling it “intolerable” and a “violation of international humanitarian law.” The British government also expressed its disapproval, stating it was “appalled” by the injuries to the UN peacekeepers.
In the United States, President Joe Biden confirmed he was “absolutely” pressing Israel to stop targeting UN peacekeepers. Likewise, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, issued a joint statement expressing their “outrage” over the incident.
Macron went a step further, calling for an end to the export of weapons being used by Israel in both Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized that the UN peacekeepers had been “deliberately targeted,” adding fuel to the already growing diplomatic tension.
Efforts for Ceasefire Continue
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza have stalled. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that his government plans to ask the UN Security Council to issue a resolution calling for a “full and immediate ceasefire.” However, progress on such a resolution remains uncertain.
On the ground, Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the recent Israeli strikes killed 22 people and injured more than 100. The Israeli military reportedly aimed at Hezbollah’s security chief, Wafiq Safa, who was allegedly close to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike in south Beirut last month, according to a source close to Hezbollah.
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Gaza Suffers Heavy Casualties
In Gaza, the situation remains dire as Israel’s military campaign continues to wreak havoc. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that 30 more civilians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Jabalia, bringing the total death toll to 42,126, with most of the victims being civilians.
Despite international calls for restraint, Israeli airstrikes persist, causing immense destruction across Gaza and Lebanon. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, while diplomatic channels have so far failed to stop the escalating violence.
The international community is increasing pressure on Israel to halt its attacks, especially in light of the UN peacekeeper injuries. However, without a ceasefire in sight, the violence and backlash in both Gaza and Lebanon is likely to continue.
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