Israel attacks UN posts in Lebanon: India has raised alarm over the safety of its soldiers serving in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, following reports of Israeli forces attacking UN positions. This concern comes as 600 Indian soldiers are stationed along the volatile Blue Line, the border separating Israel and Lebanon, where tensions have escalated.Indias concern for UN peacekeepersIn a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced its concern over the deteriorating security conditions in the region. We are concerned about the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely. The inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate, said the MEA.Repeated attacks on UNIFIL headquartersIndias statement followed the United Nations report that the Naqoura headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), along with nearby posts, had come under repeated fire from Israeli forces. The situation has become increasingly dangerous for peacekeepers operating in the area.According to the UN, two peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli Merkava tank fired at an observation tower at UNIFILs Naqoura base. The UN noted, Fortunately, the injuries are not serious, but the peacekeepers remain in the hospital.Lebanons National News Agency reports that several Sri Lankan peacekeepers were injured in another Israeli attack targeting the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in southern Lebanon.According to the report, an Israeli Merkava tank targeted one of UNIFILs… pic.twitter.com/uk1zWWZC0f— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) October 11, 2024Tensions following Hezbollah leaders assassinationThe clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants have intensified in the wake of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallahs assassination. Israels military is using land-based weaponry in southern Lebanon, putting peacekeepers at greater risk.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hezbollah of operating near UNIFIL posts and confirmed ongoing operations in the region. The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL. This morning, IDF troops operated near Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base. The IDF instructed UN forces to remain in protected spaces, after which IDF forces opened fire in the area, read a statement from the IDF.As tensions rise, the safety of the Indian contingent in south Lebanon remains a top priority for New Delhi.
