The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon has condemned an attack on a base of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon that left several peacekeepers injured, describing it as a serious violation of international law.
In a statement issued on March 7, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said the attack targeted personnel serving under a United Nations mandate and reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to protecting peacekeeping forces operating in the country.
The Ministry stressed that any assault on UN personnel undermines international efforts to maintain stability along the Lebanon–Israel border.
The condemnation comes after missile strikes hit a UNIFIL base hosting Ghanaian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, injuring at least three soldiers and damaging facilities at the camp. Two of the soldiers were reported to be critically injured while another suffered trauma following the attack.
According to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the strike occurred amid escalating cross-border hostilities between the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities said targeting UN peacekeepers threatens the safety of personnel tasked with maintaining calm along the volatile border region and risks further destabilising the already fragile security situation.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated that attacks on UN peacekeepers constitute a grave breach of international humanitarian law and called for accountability for those responsible.
International reactions have also followed the incident, with several countries condemning the strike and urging all parties to ensure the safety of UN personnel deployed in Lebanon.
The peacekeeping mission, established in 1978, operates as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon and monitors the cessation of hostilities along the so-called Blue Line separating the two sides.
The United Nations has said it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s government has called on the international community to uphold the protection of peacekeeping forces and prevent further escalation in the region.
By Eric Mawuena Egbeta
