UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon Under Fire as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates
From Beirut to the border of Lebanon and Israel, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been on high alert following a significant uptick in violence. The peacekeeping force, which has been patrolling the volatile border for decades, has faced repeated attacks in recent days, with several of its members injured and one killed.
Established in 1978, UNIFIL was created to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon after they invaded to stem Palestinian attacks targeting northern Israel. Over the years, the force has faced various challenges, including kidnappings, sabotage, and attacks by Hezbollah. In 2006, a war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah, further complicating the peacekeeping mission.
Today, UNIFIL’s role is more crucial than ever, as a “liaison channel” between Israel and Hezbollah. According to the global chief of UN peacekeepers, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the mission’s job is to inform all sides when, for example, rescuers need to help the wounded or retrieve the dead.
Despite the renewed violence, UNIFIL’s mandate was extended in August for another year. The force comprises around 10,000 personnel from countries such as Indonesia, India, Ghana, Nepal, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, France, China, and Ireland, among others. The mission is led by a Spanish general, Aroldo Lazaro.
The past few days have seen a surge in violence, with Israel announcing “targeted” incursions into Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has repeatedly stated it is repelling Israeli troops along the border. UNIFIL’s headquarters and nearby positions have been repeatedly hit, sparking international condemnation. On Thursday, an Israeli tank fired at a UNIFIL observation tower, injuring two Indonesian Blue Helmets, and on Friday, a pair of explosions wounded two Sri Lankan members of the team near an observation tower.
The UN peacekeeping force’s ability to protect its personnel and facilitate humanitarian efforts has become increasingly crucial as the conflict escalates. With its mandate set to expire soon, the international community is closely watching the situation, calls for a ceasefire continue to fall on deaf ears. As the situation remains volatile, one thing is clear: the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon is on the frontlines, working tirelessly to maintain hope in a region plagued by conflict and violence.
