Lebanese President and Prime Minister Respond to Israeli Incursion into UNIFIL
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Al-Nashra via Mehr News Agency, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun contacted General Stefano Del Col, commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), to confirm the well-being of international troops whose vehicles were attacked by Israeli drones and targeted with bombs while carrying out their duties.
President Aoun informed General Del Col that Lebanon condemns this attack as the most hazardous against UNIFIL since the ceasefire agreement last November. The incident occurred less than a week after the UN Security council extended UNIFIL’s mandate until 2027.
He added that such attacks underscore Israel’s continued challenge to the international community’s will. This comes just days after the United Nations called for an end to hostilities against Lebanon, Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories in southern Lebanon, repatriation of Lebanese prisoners, and full implementation of Resolution 1701.
Aoun emphasized that what makes this recent assault particularly alarming is Israel’s prior knowledge-before UNIFIL began removing roadblocks along the Blue Line-indicating that targeting international forces was deliberate and premeditated. He urged urgent international action to compel Israel to halt its repeated violations of Security Council resolutions and respect protections granted internationally to peacekeepers worldwide. This is especially critical as Israeli attacks on southern towns and villages persist daily, causing numerous casualties among innocent civilians while targeting homes and civilian infrastructure.
Simultaneously occurring, Lebanese Prime minister Nawaf Salam issued a statement condemning Israel’s ongoing attacks as a clear violation of last November’s ceasefire declaration, Resolution 1701, and principles of international law.
He stressed that the credibility of the international community is at stake. Immediate steps must be taken to compel Israel to cease its aggression and respect Lebanon’s sovereignty along with its people’s security.
