Israeli tanks ram gate of UN facility in Lebanon

Sub :IR

Sec: Int org

Context:

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tanks destroyed the main gate of a UN peacekeeping facility in Ramyah, southern Lebanon, marking the fourth consecutive day of attacks on UN peacekeepers.
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon that was established by the UN Security Council in 1978.
UNIFIL condemned the IDF’s actions as a blatant violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates respect for the freedom of movement of UN peacekeepers.

Israel’s demand:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged UN Secretary-General Guterres to withdraw UNIFIL forces from Hezbollah strongholds, claiming their presence endangers peacekeepers and Israeli soldiers.

Security Council Resolution 1701:

Adopted on August 11, 2006, UN Security Council Resolution 1701 aimed to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that erupted in July 2006.
It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitating a stable and lasting peace.
The resolution expanded the UNIFIL, increasing its troop presence and enhancing its mandate to monitor the ceasefire and support the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The resolution called for unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to affected populations in Lebanon.
It also mandates respect for the security and freedom of movement of UN personnel and humanitarian workers.

India and UNIFIL:

UNIFIL comprises over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries, with India being the third-largest contributor, supplying 903 soldiers. However, the Indian Battalion does not have a presence in Ramyah.
A joint statement from 40 troop-contributing countries, including India to UNIFIL condemned the attacks on peacekeepers and emphasized the need for respect towards UNIFIL’s mission and the safety of its personnel.