KUALA LUMPUR – Two Indonesian personnel from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured following an attack by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in southern Lebanon.
The republic’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi confirmed that the soldiers sustained minor injuries from IDF tank fire while monitoring from a watchtower at the Indonesian contingent’s base in Naqoura on Thursday morning.
The area, known as the ‘Blue Line,’ is overseen by UN peacekeepers under a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) mandate aimed at maintaining stability in Lebanon.
“The two personnel received immediate treatment at the nearest hospital and are currently in good condition,” Retno stated.
Indonesia has condemned the attack, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. The government emphasised the importance of respecting the inviolability of UN territory under all circumstances.
“Indonesia emphasises that any attack on peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which serves as the basis for UNIFIL’s mandate,” she added.
While attending ASEAN Summit meetings in Laos, Retno has been in direct communication with the commander of the Garuda Force Headquarters Support Unit regarding the incident.
UNIFIL has also urged the IDF to fulfil its obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and facilities.
In a statement, UNIFIL highlighted the recent escalation along the Blue Line, which has led to widespread destruction of towns and villages in south Lebanon. Rockets continue to be launched towards Israel, impacting civilian areas.
In recent days, incursions from Israel into Lebanon, particularly in Naqoura, have been reported, with IDF soldiers clashing with Hizbullah elements on the ground.
UNIFIL said its Naqoura headquarters and nearby positions have faced repeated attacks.
Additionally, IDF soldiers fired upon UN Position (UNP) 1-31 in Labbouneh, hitting the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, resulting in damage to vehicles and a communications system. An IDF drone was also observed flying inside the UN position, reaching the bunker entrance.
It said yesterday, IDF soldiers intentionally fired at and disabled the perimeter-monitoring cameras of the position. They also targeted UNP 1-32A in Ras Naqoura, where regular Tripartite meetings were held prior to the conflict, damaging lighting and a relay station.
UNIFIL reminded the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times.
“UNIFIL peacekeepers are present in south Lebanon to support a return to stability under Security Council mandate. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701,”
“We are following up with the IDF on these matters,” the statement concluded. – October 11, 2024