Lacroix: Peacekeeping Forces Must Not Be Targeted

All actions endangering peacekeeping forces must be stopped immediately. Jakarta (ANTARA) - United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix has called on conflicting parties not to target peacekeeping forces in their attacks. “We state it clearly, and it needs to be repeated time and again: peacekeeping forces must not be targeted. All actions endangering peacekeeping forces must be stopped immediately,” Lacroix said at the Emergency Meeting of the UN Security Council in New York, as monitored online in Jakarta in the early hours of Wednesday. The emergency meeting was held at the request of Indonesia and France following an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon that killed three Indonesian soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The attack occurred amid ongoing ground advances by Israeli forces and fierce clashes with Hezbollah, while unprecedented airstrikes continue to be reported. Israeli forces have seized a significant area north of the demarcation line mapped by the UN between Israel and Lebanon, leading to rising civilian casualties from the hostilities, including UNIFIL troops in the field. This tragic event should not have happened. He said UNIFIL is currently conducting an investigation to determine the developments of this reprehensible incident. “I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the Government of Indonesia. I also hope that those injured will recover fully soon,” Lacroix stated. He also urged all involved parties to comply with their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times. “The integrity of UN installations must be respected,” the French diplomat stressed. According to previous reports, Israeli forces have issued evacuation orders for the entire UNIFIL area of operations and continue to carry out intensive daily attacks. Lacroix said that Israeli politicians are currently openly discussing intentions to expand what is called a “security zone” or “buffer zone”, by destroying villages along the demarcation line and several bridges over the Litani River. “In just the last week, thousands of crossings have been observed in both directions, as well as attacks from fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles,” he said. Israeli forces are advancing further into Lebanon, and clashes are occurring, including in locations very close to the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, which has become the target of various impacts, Lacroix stated.