UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations Security Council expressed significant concern on Monday regarding recent incidents in which Israeli forces shot at and injured U.N. peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon amid escalating violence. The council reiterated its backing for the peacekeepers, emphasizing their importance in maintaining regional stability.
This marks the first declaration from the Security Council since Israel began attacking the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL last week, which has drawn widespread international condemnation.
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Marie Lacroix reported that Secretary-General António Guterres has confirmed that the peacekeepers will remain in their positions despite Israel’s request for them to withdraw 5 kilometers (3 miles) north during its military operations in Lebanon.
Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah has intensified along the U.N.-demarcated border, with hostilities reigniting following a year of rocket fire from the Iranian-backed militant group, which began as a show of support for Hamas in Gaza. The recent conflict was triggered by Hamas’ fatal assaults in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
In a statement issued following urgent closed-door consultations on Lebanon, the Security Council refrained from directly naming Israel, Hezbollah, or Lebanon. The statement, delivered by the current president of the council, Swiss Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl, urged all involved parties to safeguard the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and U.N. facilities.
The 15-member council has found itself deeply polarized regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The United States has consistently defended its ally, Israel, while there has been a growing call from several members for a stronger stance in favor of the Palestinian cause amidst rising casualties. The Biden administration has recently intensified its criticism concerning civilian deaths and attacks on UNIFIL.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood noted that it is encouraging for the council to present a united front on the pressing concerns of the global community, particularly regarding the situation in Lebanon.
Wood indicated that the statement reassures the Lebanese populace that the council is attentive to their situation and is advocating for their interests. The council likewise expressed “deep concern” over civilian casualties, the destruction of infrastructure, and the burgeoning number of internally displaced people.
According to reports, over 1,400 individuals in Lebanon—comprising civilians, medical personnel, and Hezbollah combatants—have perished, with 1.2 million displaced over the past month. Simultaneously, around 60 Israelis have died due to Hezbollah attacks in the last year. Israel aims to push Hezbollah back from the border to allow approximately 60,000 displaced Israelis to return home.
The Security Council’s statement called for adherence to international humanitarian laws that prioritize civilian protection. Additionally, council members urged the complete enforcement of Security Council Resolution 1701, which resolved the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict and underscored the necessity for further measures to achieve peace.
Resolution 1701 calls for the Lebanese military to deploy throughout southern Lebanon and mandates the disarmament of all armed groups, including Hezbollah—objectives that have remained unaddressed for nearly 18 years.
After a closed briefing to the Security Council, Lacroix informed reporters that five UNIFIL peacekeepers have sustained injuries in recent days, and the U.N. has lodged complaints with Israel regarding these incidents. Israel has signaled that it will conduct investigations concerning several of these occurrences.
Israel Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that efforts have been made to maintain ongoing communication with UNIFIL, and any harm to U.N. personnel will be scrutinized thoroughly.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for UNIFIL to heed Israel’s warnings to evacuate, claiming that the peacekeepers are unintentionally providing cover for Hezbollah. Netanyahu expressed regret over the injuries to UNIFIL soldiers, asserting that the most effective way to ensure their safety is for them to exit conflict zones.
Lacroix emphasized the collective responsibility of all parties to protect the peacekeepers and reiterated the importance of their continued presence as a hopeful sign for a potential return to diplomatic negotiations and thorough enforcement of Resolution 1701.
