Statements from international bodies or major countries

Netanyahu Demands UN Evacuate UNIFIL from Southern Lebanon after Israeli Strikes Injure Five Peacekeepers

Oct 13, 2024, 11:56 AM

Israeli forces have reportedly fired upon UNIFIL peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon multiple times over recent days, injuring at least five peacekeepers, according to UN sources. On October 11, Israeli forces fired at an observation post at UNIFIL's main base in Naqoura, wounding two peacekeepers. UNIFIL's Naqoura headquarters was affected by explosions for the second time in 48 hours, and a peacekeeper underwent surgery to remove a bullet after being hit by gunfire due to ongoing military activity nearby. Subsequent incidents included significant damage to UN positions in Ramyah from nearby shelling. Israeli tanks reportedly destroyed the main gate of a UNIFIL base in Ramyah and forcibly entered the site. On October 13, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly addressed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling for the immediate evacuation of UNIFIL forces from southern Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah is using them as 'human shields' and their presence turns them into 'hostages.' Netanyahu urged, 'Get the UNIFIL forces out of harm's way. It should be done right now, immediately.' UNIFIL has so far refused to withdraw despite the injuries to its peacekeepers.