UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council raised significant alarms Monday following reports of Israeli fire injuring U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict, reaffirming its commitment to the peacekeeping mission’s role in regional security.
This marks the first formal statement from the U.N.’s foremost body since Israeli operations targeting the peacekeeping forces, known as UNIFIL, commenced last week, prompting widespread international disapproval.
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix announced that Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed Monday that peacekeepers will maintain their positions despite Israeli calls to withdraw 5 kilometers (3 miles) north during the ongoing ground invasion in Lebanon.
Israel has intensified its operations against Hezbollah along a U.N.-designated boundary, with confrontations escalating since the militant group began launching rockets in a show of support for Hamas last year. The current conflict was sparked by Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
In a statement delivered after emergency consultations on Lebanon, the Security Council refrained from naming Israel, Lebanon, or Hezbollah while urging all parties to prioritize the safety of UNIFIL personnel and U.N. facilities.
The 15-member Security Council has faced deep divisions regarding the Gaza conflict, with the U.S. defending its ally Israel amid increasing support for the Palestinians within the council and rising casualty figures. The Biden administration has expressed growing concern over civilian deaths and recent assaults on UNIFIL.
The U.S. deputy ambassador emphasized the importance of the council’s unified response to the situation in Lebanon, highlighting its significance for the Lebanese population.
Council members voiced ‘deep concern’ over civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and the increasing number of displaced individuals.
Recent reports indicate that over 1,400 individuals have died in Lebanon, including civilians and Hezbollah members, with approximately 1.2 million displaced in the past month. In contrast, around 60 Israelis have lost their lives due to Hezbollah activities in the previous year. Israeli officials assert the need to remove the militant group from the border to facilitate the return of nearly 60,000 displaced residents.
The Security Council’s statement urged adherence to international humanitarian law, emphasizing necessary protections for civilians.
Additionally, member states advocated for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which sought to conclude the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war and emphasized demands for armed groups, including Hezbollah, to disarm — a goal that remains unmet after nearly two decades.
Lacroix reported the injury of five UNIFIL peacekeepers in recent confrontations and noted that the U.N. has lodged formal protests with Israel regarding these incidents.
Israeli military officials have stated that investigations into these occurrences will be thoroughly conducted.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated calls for UNIFIL to respect Israel’s warnings to evacuate, accusing the peacekeeping force of inadvertently shielding Hezbollah.
“We regret the injuries sustained by UNIFIL personnel, and we strive to prevent such occurrences. However, the most straightforward solution is to remove them from harm’s way,” he stated in a video message directed at U.N. leadership.
Lacroix affirmed that all involved parties must prioritize the safety of peacekeepers, stressing the necessity for UNIFIL to maintain its position as hopes for renewed negotiations linger.
