Attacks on UN peacekeepers unacceptable
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon reported on Sunday that two Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of one of its bases in southern Lebanon and "forcibly entered" the site after blocking the movement of UNIFIL personnel the previous day. The breach was part of recent Israeli attacks on UN forces and positions over the weekend.
Since Sept 23, the Israel Defense Forces have been carrying out an intense air campaign against Lebanon, dubbed "Arrows of the North", amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The campaign has included attacks on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, in which at least five UN peacekeepers have been injured over the past week.
The IDF offered a different version of the events, saying it had encroached on a UNIFIL position to evacuate soldiers who had been wounded by an anti-tank missile.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that any attacks on peacekeepers "may constitute a war crime", adding that "UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted". "Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law," Guterres said, according to a statement from his spokesman.
Israel has repeatedly urged the UN peacekeeping forces to withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon where fighting has intensified after it began a ground incursion into Lebanon on Sept 30, targeting the armed group Hezbollah.
Nearly 10,000 peacekeepers from around 50 countries are stationed in Lebanon, alongside about 800 civilian staff. Since 1978, they have been patrolling the area between the Litani River and the UN-recognized boundary between Lebanon and Israel known as the "Blue Line".
One of the countries that contributes to the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, China is gravely concerned over and strongly condemns the IDF's attack on the positions and observation tower of the UNIFIL, in which some UNIFIL personnel were injured.
The UNIFIL carries out its peacekeeping tasks under the mandate from a UN Security Council resolution. Any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and UNSC Resolution 1701. It is absolutely unacceptable. Israel should put an immediate stop to such attacks.
China has sought an investigation into the incident, in an effort to bring those responsible to account and urged the Israeli side to take measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. Parties to the conflict must earnestly ensure the safety and security of all UN personnel and property, including the UNIFIL's. China urges all parties, Israel in particular, to take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions, ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel, and prevent the conflict from further expanding or spiraling out of control.
Gaza has become a hell on Earth. In the meantime, in Lebanon, there has been massive destruction of civilian facilities, thousands of casualties, and more than 1 million people have been displaced, including a large number of Palestinian refugees.
A cease-fire should be an overarching priority. All parties in Lebanon have already given a call for an immediate cease-fire. The Arab League, too, has issued an explicit appeal.
It is clear who holds the key to ending this crisis. Israel should set aside its obsession with use of force, make the right political decision, stop violating Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and end its dangerous adventure that could drag the region into a new catastrophe.
The United States, as the only country that provides unconditional military and financial support for Israel's military operations across the region, should stop its passive procrastination, cover-up and connivance. Washington is obligated to act responsibly and play a constructive role in order to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
