India urges respect for UN peacekeeping sites after Israeli strike in Southern Lebanon
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India has raised concerns over the worsening security situation along the 'Blue Line' - the boundary separating Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights - following a reported Israeli military strike on a UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) observation post in Naqoura, southern Lebanon.
The attack, which took place on Friday, left two individuals injured, according to a UN-based source cited by Reuters.
In an official statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the "inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all," underscoring the need for safety measures to protect UN peacekeepers and preserve the sanctity of their mission. The ministry added that India is closely monitoring the situation.
The Israeli strike on UNIFIL’s base was one of three incidents in which Israeli forces reportedly opened fire, as hostilities between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon continue to escalate.
Despite the heightened tensions and Israel's decision to conduct ground incursions into southern Lebanon, the Indian contingent stationed in the region will maintain its operations. The Indian battalion, consisting of more than 900 personnel, remains committed to its peacekeeping mission, as previously reported by PTI.
UNIFIL confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had informed the organization about its plan to carry out "limited" ground operations in Lebanon.
Despite these developments, UNIFIL peacekeepers will stay at their posts and have called on all involved parties to avoid escalating the conflict further.