Without Calling Israel, UN Urges Conflict-Involved Parties In Lebanon To Protect UNIFIL Troops

The car of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon aka UNIFIL was hit by an Israeli military attack. (doc UNIFIL)

JAKARTA - The UN Security Council condemns attacks in southern Lebanon in recent weeks left a number of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon aka the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) injured.

Without naming Israel, 15 members of the UN Security Council on Wednesday, November 13 local time, urged all parties involved in the conflict in Lebanon to take all possible steps to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities.

The UN Security Council also stressed that peacekeeping forces should not be targeted by attacks.

UNIFIL continues to maintain and monitor conflicts along the demarcation line bordering the Israeli military's drafting area.

Over the past year, fierce clashes have continued in Lebanon between the Israeli military and Hezbollah fighters who wanted a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Israel accuses UNFIL forces of providing protection for Hezbollah. The UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon include those from Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, Ireland, Austria to France.

Israel has also ordered UNIFIL to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon for their own safety.

However, the international forces refused to comply. On the other hand, UNFIL vowed to stay and carry out its mandate along the demarcation 'Blue Glass' between Lebanon and Israel, which was set by the United Nations in June 2000.

UNFIL actually issued a warning calling, "deliberate and direct destruction by Israeli soldiers against UNIFIL's clearly identified property constitutes a marked violation of international law" and UN resolution.