ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday condemned the killing of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), citing the larger context of Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon and calling for an “impartial investigation” to establish the facts.
The peacekeepers were killed in separate attacks in southern Lebanon, including a roadside explosion that struck a UNIFIL convoy near Bani Hayyan and a projectile that detonated near a UN position, according to initial findings cited by UN officials.
Several other soldiers were also wounded in the incidents, highlighting growing risks to peacekeeping forces operating in the area.
Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad condemned the killings and warned against a broader pattern of attacks on peacekeepers.
“Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in separate attacks,” he said while addressing the Council.
“These are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on UNIFIL ... UNIFIL has been subjected to a persistent aggressive behavior, and restrictions on freedom of operations,” he continued.
Ahmad urged the Council not to allow such violence against peacekeepers to become normalized, noting that these missions are mandated by the Security Council and their protection is its foremost responsibility.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice,” he said while emphasizing “a prompt, thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the facts.”
The Pakistani diplomat said the peacekeepers’ killings should be seen in the context of the broader situation in Lebanon.
“Israel’s continued military actions in southern Lebanon have resulted in the death of more than 1200 civilians, displacement of more than a million people, and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure,” he said.
“Ongoing fighting and hostilities are further exacerbating the humanitarian situation and heightening risks to both civilians and peacekeepers. These developments are undermining the Lebanese Government’s bold steps, policy decisions and serious commitment to peace and stability. We must not allow this. The Council must extend its full support to Lebanon,” he added.
Pakistan, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, said it shared a “profound sense of loss,” noting that 182 of its peacekeepers have been killed in the line of duty, and expressed solidarity with Indonesia and the families of the fallen soldiers.
