Middle East Crisis Update: UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon Face Increased Threat Amid Israeli Attacks

The ongoing Middle East conflict has placed United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon at significant risk, as the UN reports that their safety is "increasingly in jeopardy." Operational activities of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have almost completely stopped due to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

UNIFIL’s Halt in Operations

According to UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, over 10,400 UN peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon have been forced to remain in shelter for extended periods. Lacroix told the UN Security Council that peacekeeping efforts have stalled since late September, coinciding with Israel’s heightened military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite these challenges, the peacekeeping mission remains prepared to support diplomatic solutions.

The situation intensified when Israeli forces reportedly fired on a UNIFIL position, injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers. UNIFIL condemned the attacks, calling them a “grave violation of international humanitarian law.” The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded by stating that their troops were operating in the Naqoura area, near a UNIFIL base, and had advised the peacekeepers to stay in protected areas before engaging in combat.

The United States expressed deep concern over the incident and pressed Israel for more information. Israeli officials, however, have suggested that UNIFIL relocate its operations 5 kilometers north to avoid the escalating violence in southern Lebanon. Despite these recommendations, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti emphasized that the peacekeepers would remain at their posts, as mandated by the UN Security Council. Tenenti reaffirmed that the mission would continue unless it becomes impossible for peacekeepers to operate safely.

International Reaction to Attacks on UN Peacekeepers

The global community has been vocal about its concerns over attacks on UN peacekeepers. European Council President Charles Michel condemned the incident, stating that any attack on UN operations is "not acceptable." He called for all parties, including Israel, to adhere to international humanitarian law.

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto echoed these sentiments, demanding an explanation from Israeli authorities. He rejected claims that the attacks were accidental, noting that Israel had previously informed UNIFIL to evacuate some of its bases. Indonesia’s UN ambassador, Hari Prabowo, also expressed outrage, accusing Israel of placing itself above international law and undermining shared values of peace.

Israeli Airstrikes and Regional Escalation

As tensions continue to rise, Israeli forces have launched airstrikes on several targets in Lebanon and Gaza. Israeli media reported that approximately 20 projectiles were fired into northwestern Israel from Lebanon, targeting areas near Acre and Krayot, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.

In Lebanon, at least 22 people were killed, and 117 others were wounded following an Israeli airstrike on residential areas in Beirut. The strikes targeted the working-class district of Basta and the Nweiri neighborhood, marking the deadliest attacks on the city since Israel’s intensified bombing campaign began two weeks ago. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV reported that the strikes were aimed at assassinating top Hezbollah security official Wafiq Safa, though the attempt reportedly failed.

The situation is equally dire in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have hit civilian areas, including a school sheltering displaced individuals in Deir al-Balah. The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed 28 deaths and 54 injuries in the strike, with the Israeli military claiming they were targeting militants operating in the compound. Palestinian health officials estimate that at least 130 people have died in the ongoing military offensive in Gaza.

Hospitals in Northern Gaza at Risk

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have ordered three hospitals in northern Gaza—Indonesian, Al-Awda, and Kamal Adwan hospitals—to evacuate. Medical officials warn that this will put the lives of critically ill patients, especially children in intensive care units, in grave danger. These hospitals are already facing damage due to nearby Israeli bombardment, and health officials report many fatalities lying on roads outside the hospitals due to continuous shelling.

Conclusion

The Middle East conflict has reached a critical juncture, with civilian casualties mounting and international humanitarian efforts increasingly strained. UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to face significant challenges as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens with each passing day. As the conflict deepens, global leaders call for restraint and adherence to international law, though a diplomatic solution remains elusive.