Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to immediately remove UN peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon after several of them were wounded in Israeli attacks. In a video statement, Netanyahu demanded that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) forces be taken out of harm’s way to ensure their safety.
Tensions have been escalating in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces continue to clash with Hezbollah militants. At least five UN peacekeepers have been injured in recent days as a result of Israeli fire. Despite the injuries, UN forces have refused to withdraw from the border area, prompting Netanyahu to speak out against their presence.
During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stressed that UNIFIL’s refusal to evacuate its soldiers has essentially turned them into hostages of Hezbollah, putting both them and Israeli soldiers at risk. He emphasized that removing the peacekeepers from the danger zone is the most effective way to prevent further injuries and ensure their safety.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and violence in the region. As tensions continue to mount, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and whether UN peacekeepers will be relocated as demanded by Netanyahu.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Netanyahu tells UN chief to move peacekeepers in Lebanon ‘immediately’” was uploaded on 10/13/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English