Exclusive: ' No UN Peacekeeper Is Safe In Lebanon Under Israeli Fire' Says UNIFIL Spokesperson

As reports emerge of a fifth UN peacekeeper injured by an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) attack in South Lebanon, Israel intensifies its offensive against Hezbollah. Currently, 10,000 UN peacekeepers, including 903 Indian personnel, are stationed in South Lebanon to protect civilians from internal security threats. However, they now find themselves caught in the external security crossfire of Israel's assault on the Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

As reports emerge of a fifth UN peacekeeper injured by an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) attack in South Lebanon, Israel intensifies its offensive against Hezbollah. Currently, 10,000 UN peacekeepers, including 903 Indian personnel, are stationed in South Lebanon to protect civilians from internal security threats. However, they now find themselves caught in the external security crossfire of Israel's assault on the Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in March 1978, just days after Israel's invasion of Lebanon. The UNSC passed Resolutions 425 and 426, calling for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon and establishing UNIFIL. UNIFIL’s mission was outlined with three core objectives: "Confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security, assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area."

Forty countries, including India, that contribute to UNIFIL condemned the recent Israeli attacks on the peacekeepers and called for an investigation. "We consider UNIFIL's role as particularly crucial in light of the escalating situation in the region," the countries said in a statement, which was published on X by Poland’s mission to the UN.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that European leaders should direct their criticism towards Hezbollah, not Israel. Israel has argued that UNIFIL has failed to stabilize the region and prevent Hezbollah fighters from operating south of the Litani River, which is one of the main reasons for the UN's presence in the area. Israel has cited a 2004 UN resolution calling for the disbanding of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militant groups as justification for its actions, adding that peacekeepers should withdraw so Israel can confront Hezbollah directly.

Netanyahu remarked that Israeli appeals for UNIFIL’s withdrawal had been "met with refusals" and accused UNIFIL of acting as a "human shield to Hezbollah terrorists." He further stated, "This endangers both them and the lives of our soldiers. We regret the injuring of UNIFIL soldiers and are doing everything in our power to prevent this. But the simple and obvious way to ensure their safety is to move them out of the danger zone."

For a clearer picture of the situation on the ground, India Today Global spoke with Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for UNIFIL, based in South Lebanon. Tenenti described the Israeli action as "deliberate" against UNIFIL.
"In recent weeks, the situation has dangerously escalated. UN peacekeepers have been targeted, and four have been injured. Our position was hit, and they also targeted our cameras, illumination systems, and drones close to bunkers where our troops were sheltering. This was a deliberate attack against our forces. Were we informed? No, we were not. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asked us to move from some positions near the Blue Line, but we chose to stay. This decision was made by all 50 troop-contributing countries, and we still have over 10,000 troops on the ground. The UN flag continues to fly in the south of Lebanon. Not only was this a violation of UN Resolution 1701, but it’s also a grave breach of international humanitarian law.”

Regarding the next steps, Tenenti said that the UN Security Council’s involvement is crucial. “This is an ongoing conversation with the Security Council and Israeli authorities. Our mission commander, General Lazaro, is in contact with both sides. The communication channels are still open, and we’re trying to de-escalate the situation while also seeking to understand why we were targeted. The Security Council met recently to address this issue, and we expect it will be handled by the UN in New York.”

The cost of war is always borne by voiceless civilians, and nation-states not following the “rules of war” is a deep concern for the UN peacekeepers. “The humanitarian situation is critical. Many villages are cut off from basic supplies. Despite the heavy shelling, we are trying to bring assistance to the local population in coordination with humanitarian agencies like the Red Cross. However, we face significant challenges in getting the green light for safe passage. This conflict does not follow the usual rules of war, making it very difficult to provide humanitarian aid. It’s an extremely dire situation for the people of Lebanon,” Tenenti concluded.

When India Today Global spoke with Andrea Tenenti, four UN peacekeepers were injured, two Sri Lankans and two Indonesians.