UNIFIL Mission Under Scrutiny as Netanyahu Calls for Withdrawal Amid Rising Tensions in Southern Lebanon
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video, requesting the immediate withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from combat zones in southern Lebanon. His appeal comes in the wake of recent violent incidents that have resulted in injuries to four members of the UN mission, including two soldiers and two operators. Furthermore, a third soldier sustained injuries under circumstances that remain unclear.
Netanyahu's request goes beyond the immediate withdrawal of UNIFIL, which is crucial for the Israeli army as it operates under the oversight of these external observers. The mission's presence is vital, as they are tasked with documenting potential breaches of international law during ongoing conflicts. Netanyahu accused the UN mission of acting as a 'human shield' for Hezbollah, the Lebanese political and military group currently facing Israeli military operations. Since the onset of bombing and subsequent invasion of southern Lebanon in late September, at least 1,654 civilian casualties have been reported.
In a move reflecting a targeted communication strategy, Netanyahu delivered his remarks in Hebrew, ostensibly aimed at a domestic audience. He indicated that the Israeli army had repeatedly called for UNIFIL's withdrawal from combat zones and Hezbollah strongholds, asserting that UN personnel had ignored these pleas. He further implied that the UN mission bore some responsibility for the recent incidents, claiming they had been forewarned.
While expressing regret over the injuries sustained by UN personnel, Netanyahu maintained that the withdrawal of UN soldiers would serve as a straightforward solution, potentially safeguarding both Israeli forces and UN members.
In response to rising tensions and the recent attacks on UN bases in Lebanon, 40 member countries participating in the UNIFIL mission issued a joint statement demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and a thorough investigation into the incidents. Countries such as Italy, France, and Spain have described Israel's escalation of attacks on UN facilities as unjustifiable and urged for an immediate halt to arms exports to Israel.
Amid increasing military actions in the region, the Israeli army announced the evacuation of 21 more urban centers in southern Lebanon, adding to the 23 evacuations ordered the previous day. The Israeli forces cited safety concerns in their directive, urging residents to move north of the Awali River. The ongoing military actions have led to a humanitarian crisis, with over 1.2 million displaced individuals reported within the country.
In the same speech, Netanyahu justified new military operations as essential for dismantling a stronghold of Hamas, specifically isolating the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. This operation has reportedly resulted in over 300 Palestinian deaths over a nine-day period, further escalating the ongoing conflict.
As the situation evolves, regional tensions continue to deepen, leading to urgent calls for international intervention and dialogue to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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