Dozens of countries jointly condemn attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

Dozens of states issue a joint statement at the United Nations condemning “unacceptable aggressive behavior” toward UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and calling for increased protection after the deaths there of three Indonesian soldiers.

The 63 countries and the European Union also express “deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, especially the significant civilian casualties, the extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the mass displacement of more than one million people.”

The statement is read by Indonesia’s UN Ambassador Umar Hadi, accompanied by dozens of envoys from countries that endorsed it. It notes that attacks on peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law and those responsible must be held accountable.

While reaffirming their full support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the countries urge the UN and its Security Council “to strengthen the protection of UN peacekeepers in an increasingly dangerous environment.”

The UN said Tuesday that preliminary findings from its probe into the deaths of the three Indonesian peacekeepers in separate incidents on March 29 and 30 showed that one was killed by an Israeli tank projectile and two by an improvised explosive device most likely placed by Hezbollah.

Israel’s UN envoy said all three deaths are attributable to Hezbollah, while an IDF probe said two of the peacekeepers were hit by Hezbollah bombs and the third death is under review.