India, France Condemn Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon, Urge Accountability

India condemned recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon, stressing that the safety and security of personnel serving under UN mandates must remain a top priority amid escalating violence in the region.

In a post on X, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said, "Peacekeepers serve under difficult conditions and are deployed with the backing of a UN mandate in conflict areas. Peacekeeping is multilateralism in action. The safety and security of the Peacekeepers must be a priority."

He underscored India’s efforts to strengthen accountability mechanisms, noting that New Delhi had piloted UN Security Council Resolution 2589, which seeks accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

"India joins the international community in condemning the recent attacks on UN Peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL. We pay our homage to the fallen Blue Helmets," he added.

The condemnation came as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon confirmed a series of deadly incidents involving its personnel in southern Lebanon over the past two days.

What did the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon say about the explosion near Bani Hayyan?

According to UNIFIL, two peacekeepers were killed and two others injured after an explosion of unknown origin struck their vehicle near Bani Hayyan.

A third peacekeeper sustained severe injuries.

In a separate incident on Sunday, a peacekeeper was killed and another critically injured after a projectile struck a UN position near Adchit Al Qusayr.

UNIFIL said the origin of the projectile remains unknown and that an investigation has been launched.

Extending condolences to the family of the deceased, the mission added, "Too many lives have been lost on both sides of the Blue Line in this conflict. There is no military solution. The violence must end."

How did India respond to the attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeepers?

India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations reiterated its condemnation in a separate statement, saying, "We condemn the recent attacks on UN Peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL, and pay our homage to the fallen Blue Helmets. We urge all parties to ensure the safety and security of the Peacekeepers."

France also called for urgent action at the United Nations Security Council following what it described as extremely serious incidents involving UNIFIL personnel.

In a statement on X, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he had requested an emergency meeting of the UNSC after attacks that killed and injured several peacekeepers.

Barrot condemned an attack on Sunday that killed an Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeeper and injured three others, as well as a separate explosion on Monday that killed two more Indonesian peacekeepers and wounded two additional soldiers.

"Such attacks near Blue Helmet positions are unacceptable and unjustifiable," he said, extending condolences to the families of the victims and expressing solidarity with Indonesia.

What did France say about the attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeepers?

"France expresses its most sincere condolences to the families of the killed peacekeepers and its solidarity with Indonesia, and wishes a prompt recovery to the injured personnel. It calls for full light to be shed on the circumstances of these tragedies," the post added.

France also raised concerns over separate incidents involving its own UNIFIL contingent in the Naqoura area, describing them as serious violations.

Barrot said actions including intimidation by soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces were "unacceptable and unjustifiable", particularly as deconfliction procedures had been followed.

He added that France had conveyed its strong objections to the Israeli Ambassador in Paris.

Responding to the developments, the Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday said it is reviewing reports of the two incidents involving UNIFIL personnel.

In a statement on Telegram, the military said the incidents are being "thoroughly reviewed" to determine the circumstances and assess whether they were the result of actions by Hezbollah or IDF operations.

The military noted that the incidents occurred in an active combat zone and cautioned against drawing conclusions regarding responsibility.

"It should not be assumed that incidents in which UNIFIL soldiers were harmed were caused by the IDF," it added.

The IDF reiterated that its operations are directed against Hezbollah and not against UN peacekeepers, the Lebanese Armed Forces, or civilians.

(With inputs from ANI)