In a statement issued to X by the Polish Mission to the United Nations, the countries said they “consider the role of UNIFIL to be particularly important in light of the intensifying regional situation."
The statement also called on “parties to the conflict” to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers “so that they can continue their mediation and support operations towards peace and stability.”
Spain, France and Italy had already condemned the attack on UNIFIL as “unwarranted”. On Friday, US President Joe Biden said he was “absolutely, aggressively” appealing to Israel to stop targeting UN peacekeepers.
UNIFIL said its facilities had been “repeatedly attacked” and that Israeli forces had “deliberately” opened fire on the mission’s headquarters in the town of Nakoura.
The Israeli military asked UNIFIL to withdraw from some positions, but it was “unanimously decided to remain” in the area, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told AFP on Saturday. .
UNIFIL was established in 1978 as an interim force to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon and help restore peace in the region. When war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, its mission was expanded to monitor the cessation of hostilities and support the Lebanese army. The force includes more than 10,000 soldiers and approximately 800 civilian staff from 50 countries.
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