India Calls for Safety of UN Peacekeepers Amid Lebanon Conflict
In New Delhi, India has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of United Nations peacekeepers amidst rising tensions in southern Lebanon. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted India’s commitment to the safety of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) personnel, despite no Indian troops being stationed at the Blue Line, the border separating Lebanon and Israel since the 1970s.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance during a press conference, urging for measures to protect UNIFIL premises. This comes after reports of peacekeepers experiencing skin rashes and two Indonesian peacekeepers being injured by Israeli tank fire in Naqoura, Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged their operations in the area, citing Hezbollah’s presence near UN positions.
India expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and stressed the need to respect the inviolability of UN premises. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the evacuation of UNIFIL soldiers, labeling them as hostages of Hezbollah. UNIFIL reported an incident where an Israeli tank fired at their watchtower, damaging equipment and highlighting the ongoing risks faced by peacekeepers.
UNIFIL, established by the UN Security Council in 1978, continues to operate along the Blue Line, with its mandate recently renewed for another year.
Doubts Revealed
UN Peacekeepers -: UN Peacekeepers are soldiers from different countries who work for the United Nations to help keep peace in areas where there is conflict. They try to stop fighting and protect people.
Lebanon Conflict -: The Lebanon Conflict refers to the fighting happening in Lebanon, a country in the Middle East. This conflict involves different groups, including Hezbollah, and affects the safety of people living there.
UNIFIL -: UNIFIL stands for United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. It is a group of peacekeepers sent by the United Nations to help keep peace between Lebanon and Israel.
Blue Line -: The Blue Line is a border line between Lebanon and Israel. It was drawn by the United Nations to help keep peace between the two countries.
Hezbollah -: Hezbollah is a group in Lebanon that has its own army. They are involved in the conflict with Israel and have been known to fight against Israeli forces.
Israeli PM Netanyahu -: Israeli PM Netanyahu refers to Benjamin Netanyahu, who is the Prime Minister of Israel. He is a leader in Israel and makes important decisions for the country.
