UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations has announced that its peacekeepers, deployed under the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), will remain in their positions along the Lebanon-Israel border despite Israeli calls for their relocation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had urged UNIFIL to move from certain areas near the border, amid escalating clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. Netanyahu also denied accusations that Israeli forces had deliberately targeted UNIFIL personnel.
Despite the deteriorating security situation, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix confirmed that UNIFIL would continue operating from all its positions along the Blue Line, as per a decision endorsed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
This announcement followed recent incidents where five UN peacekeepers were injured, including one where Israeli forces reportedly breached a UNIFIL post while trying to evacuate wounded soldiers.
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The UN Security Council voiced strong concerns about the safety of peacekeepers after several UNIFIL positions came under fire. The Council called for all parties to ensure the security of UN personnel and emphasized that peacekeepers and their bases must not be targeted.
Under Security Council Resolution 1701, only UNIFIL troops and the Lebanese Army are permitted to operate in southern Lebanon, further stressing the importance of the peacekeeping mission in maintaining regional stability amid heightened tensions.