Peacekeepers are under attack

• UNIFIL, a peacekeeping force patrolling southern Lebanon, has been attacked by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) following an attack on its premises.
• UNIFIL, established in 1978, is responsible for ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and maintaining peace and security in the region.
• The force operates across 29 locations between the Litani River and the Blue Line, with Indonesia being the largest contributor.
• UNIFIL’s mandate has expanded to monitor cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese Army, ensure humanitarian aid access, and assist the Lebanese Army in securing its borders.
• The IDF escalated the war against Hezbollah in September, leading to the attack on UNIFIL’s premises.
• The IDF’s actions have caused concern among Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UNIFIL, who have urged UNIFIL to temporarily withdraw from harm’s way.
• India, a contributing country of UNIFIL, has called for action to maintain the safety of UN peacekeepers but has not condemned the IDF.