India expresses concern over escalating violence along blue line in southern Lebanon, calls for protection of UN Peacekeepers - Greater Kashmir

New Delhi, Oct 11: In a press release issued on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the worsening security situation along the Blue Line, the demarcation between Israel and Lebanon. The statement read, “We are concerned at the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The MEA further emphasised the importance of safeguarding United Nations personnel, stating, “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.”

The press release comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the region. On Thursday, two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank reportedly fired at a UN watchtower in southern Lebanon.

The strike, which caused the collapse of the watchtower, has raised alarm about the safety of peacekeeping forces in the area. Although the injuries sustained by the peacekeepers were not severe, they remain hospitalised. Approximately 900 Indian troops are serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a peacekeeping mission stationed in the region since 2006 under Security Council Resolution 1701.

The United Nations has condemned the attacks, with a spokesperson for the UN mission calling them a “grave violation of international humanitarian law and the resolution.” The past 24 hours have seen multiple attacks on UN positions, including the deliberate targeting of UNP 1-32A post by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), which disabled surveillance cameras and damaged equipment and infrastructure. Another strike on UN Position 1-31 in Ras Naqoura caused further destruction, hitting a bunker where peacekeepers were taking shelter.

Andrea Tenenti, a UN spokesperson, expressed grave concern over the incidents. “Targeting peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” Tenenti said, stressing that the attacked positions were clearly marked as UN sites. Communication with the IDF is ongoing to address the escalating situation.

The Blue Line has seen an intensification of hostilities, with rockets being exchanged between Lebanon and Israel, and widespread destruction reported in southern Lebanese towns and villages, including civilian areas.