India Raises Concern Over Attack On UN Peacekeepers By Israeli Forces In Lebanon

India voiced concern on Friday over the worsening security situation along the Blue Line, following reports of Israeli fire on a United Nations peacekeeper base in southern Lebanon, which resulted in injuries to UN personnel.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of respecting the inviolability of UN premises.

Photo Credit: PTI

"We are concerned at the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely," the MEA stated.

"Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate."

This statement comes amid increasing international condemnation of Israeli attacks on UN positions in Lebanon, where the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operates. Lebanon's foreign ministry on Friday condemned what it described as an Israeli "targeting" of UNIFIL's main base in Ras Naqura, as well as a base belonging to a Sri Lankan battalion, which reportedly left several peacekeepers injured.

Lebanese state media reported that Israeli artillery struck a UNIFIL watchtower and the command centre's main entrance in Ras Naqura, causing damage. An Israeli Merkava tank was also said to have targeted another UN tower along the main road between Tyre and Naqura.

UNIFIL, which has been operating in the area since 1978, has not yet commented, though reports suggest two peacekeepers from the force were injured in the incident on Thursday.

China, Italy react

China condemned the attack and called for an investigation, stating that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers violate international humanitarian law. Italy, a major contributor of troops to UNIFIL, indicated that such actions "could constitute war crimes," while Washington expressed that it was "deeply concerned."