Israel allegedly launches severe assault on United Nations peacekeeping forces - Israel under fire for alleged severe assault on United Nations peacekeepers, referred to as Blue Helmets
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) has accused the Israeli military of a drone attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon, causing a stir in the international community.
The incident, which occurred near Unifil peacekeeping troops, took place while the peacekeepers were removing roadblocks that were hindering access to a UN position. Four grenades were dropped by Israeli military drones, one of which landed just 20 meters from UN personnel and their vehicles.
Israeli authorities, however, deny deliberately attacking the peacekeepers. They claim they used "several stun grenades" to repel a "potential threat." The Israeli military had been informed in advance about the planned work near the Lebanese border.
This is not the first time tensions have risen between Israel and Hezbollah in the border region. The more than year-long fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon was supposed to end with a ceasefire in November 2024, but Israel accuses Hezbollah of continuing military activities in the border area and regularly attacks Hezbollah targets with this justification.
Hezbollah, a militant group with the declared goal of the destruction of Israel, intensified rocket fire on Israel immediately after the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. In response, the Israeli army launched massive air strikes on targets in Lebanon and eventually launched a ground offensive, displacing thousands of people on both sides of the border during the conflict.
The Unifil peacekeeping force, comprising more than 10,800 soldiers and civilians, has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978, originally established to serve as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon. The mandate of the Unifil peacekeeping force was significantly expanded by the UN Security Council resolution 1701 after the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.
The UN Security Council has decided to end the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon by the end of 2026. France has condemned the drone attack on the UN mission in Lebanon, adding to the concerns about the escalating tensions in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to ensure peace and stability in the region.
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