Spain “firmly” condemns Israeli attack near UNIFIL contingent

Eduardo González The Government of Spain “firmly” condemned this Wednesday the attack carried out by Israel near a contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), “threatening the safety of its personnel and impeding the fulfillment of its mandate.” In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that “all parties must guarantee the safety of UNIFIL personnel and facilities” and urged Israel to “respect its obligations under international law.” “Spain reiterates its firm commitment to the stability of Lebanon and to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon and established the Israeli withdrawal from the Arab country, the deployment of Lebanese forces and blue helmets in southern Lebanon, and the disarmament of Hezbollah, the statement concludes. UNIFIL reported Wednesday that several Israeli drones launched four grenades just 20 meters from its peacekeepers as they worked "to clear blockades impeding access to a UN position near the Blue Line." "The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had been informed in advance of UNIFIL's road clearance efforts in the area," it said. "This is one of the most serious attacks against UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement last November," the mission said in a statement. "One grenade landed 20 meters away, and three others landed approximately 100 meters away from United Nations personnel and vehicles," it added. "The drones later returned" south of the Blue Line, which marks the de facto, provisional border between Israel and Lebanon pending a definitive, recognized border. “Any action that endangers UN peacekeepers and their assets, as well as any interference with their mandated tasks, is unacceptable and constitutes a grave violation of Resolution 1701 and international law,” the mission added. “It is the responsibility of the Israel Defense Forces to ensure the safety of peacekeepers performing tasks mandated by the Security Council,” it warned.

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