UN chief calls for safety of peacekeepers after Israel military breaches UN position in Lebanon

The UN Secretary-General on Sunday reiterated that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed, following the deliberate breach of a UN peacekeeping position by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) armoured vehicles in southern Lebanon.

The incident took place early on Sunday morning (local time), when two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate and forcibly entered the position, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. About two hours later, after the tanks had left, several rounds were fired nearby, emitting smoke that affected the peacekeepers inside.

These developments followed several security incidents targeting peacekeepers over recent days. According to UNIFIL, five peacekeepers have been injured, UN positions and premises damaged, and critical Mission movements disrupted.

“The Secretary-General reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times without qualification,” the UN chief’s Spokesperson said in a statement.

Secretary-General António Guterres also paid tribute to the dedicated personnel of UNIFIL, adding that “peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly.”

SG @antonioguterres says #Unifil personnel and premises must never be targeted, calls on parties to refrain from all actions putting peacekeepers at risk: https://t.co/IrE2mGP5Fp

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) October 13, 2024

Security Council mandate

The statement further noted that UNIFIL “continuously assesses and reviews” all factors to determine its posture and presence and that it is taking all possible measures to ensure the protection of its peacekeepers.

“UNIFIL’s role and its presence in southern Lebanon is mandated by the UN Security Council,” the statement continued, adding “in this context, UNIFIL is committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701, which is the only possible way forward.”

Israeli military vehicles are seen in southern Lebanon, as part of an incursion during hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, October 13, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Artorn Pookasook)

Established by the Security Council, UNIFIL is tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the area.

Breach of international law

The Secretary-General emphasised that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted.

“Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime,” the statement noted.

The Secretary-General further called on all parties, including the IDF, “to refrain from any and all actions” that put UN peacekeepers at risk.

He also renewed the call for a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.