UN Peacekeepers under Fire in South Lebanon

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has reported coming under fire multiple times during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, has been patrolling the volatile border region for decades.

Mission Overview

UNIFIL, short for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, was established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon in response to Palestinian attacks targeting northern Israel. Israel launched another invasion in 1982 but pulled out of southern Lebanon in 2000. UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded in 2006 under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, following the war between Israel and Hezbollah. The force is tasked with monitoring the ceasefire, patrolling the Blue Line (the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel) in coordination with the Lebanese army, and assisting local civilians.

Composition and Leadership

UNIFIL’s headquarters is located in the southern Lebanese town of Naqura, where recent indirect talks have been held on finalizing the Israel-Lebanon border. The mission includes about 10,000 personnel, of which 9,500 are troops. Key contributing countries include Indonesia, India, Ghana, Nepal, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, France, China, and Ireland. UNIFIL is led by Spanish General Aroldo Lazaro. Since its creation, UNIFIL has lost 334 personnel in the line of duty.

Hezbollah Tunnels

Resolution 1701 mandates that only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers operate in southern Lebanon. While Hezbollah has not maintained an overt military presence in the area since 2006, it controls large portions of the south, where it has constructed tunnels and hideouts and continues to launch attacks.

Role as a Liaison

UNIFIL acts as a “liaison channel” between Israel and Hezbollah. This role has become crucial since the recent hostilities, sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which prompted cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. UNIFIL’s role has included coordinating efforts to assist the wounded and recovering those who have been killed.

Recent Incidents

UNIFIL has repeatedly called for a ceasefire following the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah since September 23. Israeli forces have conducted “targeted” incursions into Lebanon, and Hezbollah has claimed to repel Israeli troops along the border. UNIFIL’s headquarters and surrounding positions have been hit multiple times in recent days, resulting in international condemnation. On Thursday, an Israeli tank reportedly fired at a UNIFIL observation post, injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers. The following day, two Sri Lankan peacekeepers were also wounded after explosions occurred near another observation tower.