Eduardo González
The Spanish government has “strongly” condemned the massive attacks against Lebanon, urged “all parties” to fully comply with Security Council Resolution 1701 and the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, and demanded that Israel respect “peacekeeping forces, including the Spanish contingent” of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
More than 200 people have died as a result of the bombings launched by Israel against Lebanon in response to attacks by the Shiite militia Hezbollah in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the US-Israeli offensive on February 28 against the Islamic Republic. On Friday, UNIFIL reported that three Ghanaian peacekeepers had been wounded in southwestern Lebanon.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 7, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its “condolences and solidarity to the families of the civilian victims, whose numbers continue to rise,” and reiterated “its commitment to the security and stability of Lebanon, which is vital for the entire region.”
It also urged Israel “to comply with its obligations under international law” and warned that “all parties must fully comply with Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as with the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024.”
“Likewise, the Government reiterates its support for UNIFIL’s mandate and demands respect for it, condemning Israeli attacks against UNIFIL positions,” the statement continued. “Spain urges Israel to respect the peacekeeping forces, including the Spanish contingent, deployed in Lebanon in accordance with the mandate of Resolution 1701,” it added.
“Spain reiterates its call for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and its support for the measures adopted by the government of President (Joseph) Aoun to ensure the state’s monopoly on weapons throughout Lebanese territory, the strengthening of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and their effective redeployment in the south of the country,” the statement concludes.
For his part, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned “the incident on Friday, March 6, in which three Ghanaian peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon were wounded at their position in Al Qawzah, southwest Lebanon, amid heavy gunfire,” according to his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric. He also urged the parties to “immediately de-escalate tensions and fully comply with their obligations” under Security Council resolutions.