What's happened
Two UN peacekeepers were injured by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The UNIFIL force condemned the attacks, while global leaders, including President Biden, called for the protection of UN personnel. The situation highlights the increasing dangers faced by peacekeepers in the region.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the recent incidents represent the most serious threats to UNIFIL since Israel's warning for the force to relocate. The article highlights that the peacekeepers have been increasingly caught in crossfire as Israel escalates its military campaign against Hezbollah. The Independent notes that the attacks on UNIFIL have drawn global condemnation, with Italy's defense minister labeling them as potential 'war crimes.' Meanwhile, SBS reports that the Israeli military expressed 'deep concern' over the injuries to peacekeepers, emphasizing the need for their safety amidst ongoing operations against Hezbollah.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, leading to increased military actions from both sides. UNIFIL, established in 1978, has faced growing risks as it monitors the volatile border between Lebanon and Israel.
More on these topics
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.