Indian peacekeepers at Lebanon border to continue ops despite Israeli attacks

At least 900 Indian troops, part of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, will continue with their deployment along the 120-km Blue Line on the Israel-Lebanon border even as the peacekeepers’ headquarters came under Israeli fire recently.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday attacked the Italian battalion of the UN peacekeeping headquarters in a southern Lebanon town, according to sources. This marked the second incident in two days as two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured in an Israeli fire on Thursday.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the situation in West Asia is being closely monitored. “Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate,” the MEA stated.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) also expressed concerns following the attack by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Over 900 Indian soldiers, part of UNIFIL, remain safe amid two back-to-back Israeli attacks, sources said. These soldiers are from the Assam Regiment and include engineers, the Army Medical Corps, and other forces. Indian troops have been monitoring the escalating situation closely, although any decision regarding their return remains in the hands of the United Nations.
The Blue Line is under constant operational tension following Israel’s ground operations in Lebanon. The UN advised peacekeeping troops to remain inside bunkers with restricted movement for safety.
The UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and nearby positions have been hit multiple times during the recent clashes between IDF soldiers and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. According to a UN statement, IDF forces deliberately fired on UN positions, disabling monitoring cameras and damaging facilities.
The UN reminded all parties of their obligation to ensure the safety of UN personnel, stressing that attacks on peacekeepers violate international law and Security Council Resolution 1701.
UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in southern Lebanon to support the return to stability as per their mandate. The UNIFIL said, “We are following up with the IDF on these matters.”