Many countries condemn Israel for the attack on UN forces

On October 11, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed "indignation" over Israel's military attack on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, and demanded that Israel refrain from any "hostile actions" against them.

"Moscow is extremely indignant at the actions of the Israeli military," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Russian side demands restraint from any hostile actions against the UNIFIL peacekeeping force carrying out its mission in Lebanon under the current mandate of the UN Security Council, and expresses support and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured," the statement said.

UNIFIL vehicles in Marjayoun, near the border with Israel, in southern Lebanon. Photo: Reuters

Earlier on October 10, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Israeli forces acted illegally when they opened fire on positions used by UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, and condemned this as a possible war crime.

"This is not an accident. It may constitute a war crime and a very serious violation of international humanitarian law," Mr. Crosetto said at a press conference.

Mr Crosetto said he had contacted his Israeli counterpart to protest and had also summoned the Israeli ambassador to Italy to demand an explanation, but had yet to receive a response.

Unlike some European countries, Italy has been a staunch supporter of Israel throughout its year-long war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Italy has provided a large number of troops to UNIFIL, and although no Italian troops were injured this week, Mr Crosetto said Israel's actions would not be accepted.

Also on October 10, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Turkey condemned Israel's attacks on UNIFIL forces, adding that Turkey would continue to support similar peacekeeping initiatives and structures.

In New York, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said Israel recommended that UNIFIL relocate to northern Lebanon "to avoid the danger of escalating fighting".

"Israel's attacks on UN forces following massacres of civilians in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon are a manifestation of its impunity for crimes," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“The international community has an obligation to ensure that Israel complies with international law,” the report said, adding that Türkiye has contributed a corvette and five personnel to the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force.

Türkiye has been fiercely critical of Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Lebanon. It has suspended all trade with Israel, filed a genocide case against Israel at the World Court and repeatedly called for an end to Western support for Israel.

UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, an area that has seen serious clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants.

UNIFIL said two peacekeepers were wounded when an Israeli tank fired on a watchtower at its headquarters in Ras al-Naqoura on both October 9 and 10.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhieu-nuoc-len-an-du-doi-israel-ve-vu-tan-cong-luc-luong-lien-hop-quoc-post316392.html