FIVE members of the peacekeeping force were injured in an Israeli attack near a military post in Sidon, southern Lebanon, on Thursday (7/11). This is according to the UN mission.
In a statement, the mission said the injuries occurred when a UNIFIL convoy carrying newly arrived peacekeepers in southern Lebanon was passing through Sidon and was hit by drone strikes in the vicinity. Three Lebanese soldiers were also injured in the attack.
“We remind all parties of their obligations to avoid actions that endanger peacekeepers or civilians. Differences should be resolved at the negotiating table, not by force,” he added.
UNIFIL operates in the area between the Litani River in southern Lebanon and the Blue Line bordering Israel, as part of its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to maintain security in the region.
Israel’s massive air campaign in Lebanon has been underway since late September targeting Hezbollah, as part of an escalation in cross-border conflict since the Gaza war began.
More than 3,000 people have died and more than 13,500 others have been injured as a result of Israeli attacks since October 2023. This is according to Lebanese Health authorities.
Israel launched a ground attack on southern Lebanon on October 1. (Ant/Z-2)
#UNIFIL #Members #Injured #Israeli #Attacks
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Malik, Middle East Policy Expert**
**News Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Malik. We recently learned that five members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured in an Israeli attack near Sidon. Can you provide some context on this incident?
**Dr. Malik:** Thank you for having me. This attack marks a significant escalation in the tensions in southern Lebanon, where UNIFIL has been working to maintain peace and stability. The area has seen increasing violence and conflict in recent months, particularly between various factions and the Israeli military. UNIFIL members are there as peacekeepers, so any attack on them poses serious implications for regional security.
**News Editor:** What do you think are the potential repercussions of this incident for the peacekeeping operations in Lebanon?
**Dr. Malik:** The injury of UNIFIL members could lead to heightened tensions not only between Israel and the various Lebanese groups but also jeopardize the mission’s effectiveness. Peacekeeping forces rely on cooperation from both local populations and military entities to fulfill their mandate. If they are seen as being under threat, this may complicate their operations and draw international scrutiny regarding their protective measures.
**News Editor:** There’s a history of conflict in this area. How might this incident impact relations between Israel and Lebanon moving forward?
**Dr. Malik:** This incident could further strain the already fragile relations between Israel and Lebanon. It might provoke retaliatory actions from Lebanese factions, which could escalate violence. Also, it may lead to increased calls for international intervention or monitoring in the region, especially with the injuries of multinational peacekeepers drawing global attention.
**News Editor:** What measures might the international community take in response to this event?
**Dr. Malik:** The international community will likely condemn the attack and call for accountability. There may be discussions within the UN Security Council about enhancing the mandates of peacekeeping forces or increasing the number of personnel on the ground to ensure their safety. Diplomatic channels may also be activated to de-escalate tensions and assert the importance of protecting peacekeepers.
**News Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Malik, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial to stay informed about developments in the region.
**Dr. Malik:** Absolutely, thank you for shining a light on this important matter.
