Biden Demands Israel Stop Attacks on UNIFIL: Absolutely, Positively
BEIRUT, Lebanon – US President Joe Biden on Friday demanded Israelcease its attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stating absolutely, positively that he had made the request.
Thestatement comes after a series of Israeli strikes on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to peacekeeping personnel. On October 10th, threeUNIFIL camps were targeted, leaving two soldiers wounded. The following day, another attack on a UNIFIL camp in southern Lebanon resulted in two more injuries.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justified the October 10thattacks, claiming that Hezbollah was operating near UNIFIL outposts and that the strikes were aimed at the militant group. The IDF also demanded that UNIFIL remain in protected spaces during the operation.
The attacks have sparked internationalcondemnation. Italy, whose troops were stationed at two of the camps targeted on October 10th, summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its completely unacceptable stance on the attacks. Russia condemned the attacks, while the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, accused Israel of dangerously crossing another line.
The White House National Security Council spokesperson expressed deep concern over the reports of Israeli fire on UNIFIL camps on October 10th, but stopped short of condemnation. The spokesperson stated that the US understands that Israel is conducting targeted operations near the Blue Line [theIsraeli-Lebanese border] to destroy infrastructure that Hezbollah may be using to threaten Israeli citizens.
The attacks on UNIFIL, a peacekeeping force tasked with maintaining peace in southern Lebanon, have raised concerns about the potential for escalation in the region.
References:
- Biden: ‘Absolutely, Positively’ Asked Israel to Stop Attacks on UNIFIL, France24, October 11, 2024.
- Israel Strikes UNIFIL Camps in Lebanon, Injuring Peacekeepers, Reuters, October 10, 2024.
- ItalySummons Israeli Ambassador Over Attacks on UNIFIL, The Guardian, October 10, 2024.
- Russia Condemns Israeli Attacks on UNIFIL Camps, TASS, October 10, 2024.
- EU Condemns Israeli Attacks on UNIFIL, Euronews, October 10, 2024.
- White House Expresses Concern Over Israeli Attacks on UNIFIL, The New York Times, October 10, 2024.
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