Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator
On October 10, an Israeli Mekava tank attacked the UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon, injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers who are recovering in hospital, although Israel is also bombing hospitals and killing paramedics in Lebanon.
Indonesia, a steadfast supporter of Palestine, and critic of Israel, has about 1,232 personnel currently deployed with UNIFIL in Lebanon.
The international community was united in strong condemnation of the Israeli breach of international law. Israel was aware of the location of the UNIFIL watchtower in Naqoura, and that the UN personnel are to remain safe from attacks. The Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, explained that there was no mistake, and they preferred that the UN get out of the way.
UNIFIL stated any attack on peacekeepers is a "grave violation of international humanitarian law".
The peacekeeping organization, established in 1978, consists of about 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries. The group said Israeli forces had deliberately fired at its positions along the border previously since the outset of current Israeli military escalation in Lebanon beginning September 23.
Those voicing condemnation of the attack on UNIFIL are the following:
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN undersecretary general for peace operations, said the "safety and security" of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon is "increasingly in jeopardy".
Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, said "Attacking UN personnel and property is a major violation of International Humanitarian Law."
The US stated, "While they undertake these operations, it is critical that they not threaten UN peacekeepers' safety and security."
The European Union's Foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the attack is an "inadmissible act, for which there is no justification".
Italy's Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto said, "It could constitute a war crime and represented a very serious violation of international military law."
France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned any attack on the security of UNIFIL.
Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attack a "grave violation of international law".
Ireland's leader, Simon Harris, condemned the attack and said that "any firing in the vicinity of UNIFIL troops or facilities is reckless and must stop".
Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Israel's attack on UN forces, following its massacres against civilians in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon is a manifestation of its perception that its crimes go unpunished."
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