G7 Defence Ministers Express Concerns Over UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

G7 Defence Ministers Address Concerns Over UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

G7 Defence Ministers Address Concerns Over UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

The G7 defence ministers have voiced serious concerns regarding the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon, especially in light of recent assaults attributed to the Israeli military. In a historic joint statement released after their inaugural meeting in Naples, Italy, the G7 ministers emphasized that “the protection of peacekeepers is the responsibility of all parties involved in a conflict.”

In their statement, they expressed apprehension over the escalating situation in Lebanon and the potential for further conflict. “We reiterate our call for a complete cessation of hostilities, in line with the full implementation of UNSCR 1701, and advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing violence. We acknowledge the crucial stabilizing role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and reaffirm the indispensable function of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL),” the statement articulated.

UNIFIL was established by the United Nations Security Council in 1978 with the primary objective of restoring peace and security in southern Lebanon, particularly near the border with Israel. The mission is comprised of approximately 10,000 peacekeepers hailing from 50 different nations, including 16 countries from the European Union. These forces conduct regular patrols along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated boundary between Lebanon and Israel, and are actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two nations.

Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, suggested that while UNIFIL could enhance its effectiveness, any decisions regarding its future would ultimately rest with the UN Security Council. “The attacks against UNIFIL are utterly unacceptable. They have persisted for three consecutive days. The United Nations forces must be respected globally, especially in regions where they are performing commendable duties as peacekeepers. Perhaps a review of UNIFIL’s mission is warranted, but the immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire,” Borrell stated.

On Friday, UNIFIL affirmed its commitment to maintaining its positions, despite receiving warnings from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to withdraw. Spokesperson for UNIFIL, Andrea Tenenti, noted that a “unanimous” decision had been reached by its 50 troop-contributing nations and the Security Council to retain its positions as part of its mandate to monitor the ongoing conflict and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

“The IDF has repeatedly targeted our positions, jeopardizing the safety of our personnel. Moreover, Hezbollah has launched rockets toward Israel from locations in close proximity to our positions, further endangering our peacekeepers,” Tenenti conveyed during a UN news briefing from Geneva via video link. Earlier this month, UNIFIL reported that an Israeli tank had “directly” fired upon its headquarters in the town of Naqoura, causing damage to an observation tower and injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers.

Tenenti highlighted that the deteriorating security situation in recent weeks, stemming from the hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, had compelled UNIFIL to suspend most of its patrols near the Blue Line, although some patrols continue. The Israeli government has criticized UNIFIL for its perceived ineffectiveness in curbing Hezbollah’s military activities, alleging that the armed group has established military infrastructure alarmingly close to peacekeeper bases.

Global Conflicts

In their joint statement, the G7 defence ministers reaffirmed their solidarity in light of the escalating turmoil in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The defence leaders from seven of the wealthiest nations declared their collective resolve to tackle security challenges “during a period marked by significant instability.”

“We underscore our commitment to continue providing support to Ukraine, including military assistance both in the immediate and long term,” the G7 ministers asserted. The declaration also condemned Iran’s ballistic missile program and its large-scale attacks against Israel, emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to international law.

Furthermore, discussions encompassed security issues in Africa and developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Italy currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the G7 for 2024, a coalition that includes the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.

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