UN Secretary-General António Guterres Condemns Attack On UNIFIL Convoy Near Beirut Airport

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has denounced the assault on a UNIFIL convoy near Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut on 14 February. Several peacekeepers were injured by protestors on the main road to the airport, and a UNIFIL vehicle was set on fire. The Secretary-General emphasised that such attacks are intolerable and those responsible must face justice.

In a statement from the UN spokesperson, Guterres stated, "Such attacks are absolutely unacceptable. The perpetrators must be held accountable. The safety and security of UN personnel and property must be respected at all times. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law as applicable, and may constitute war crimes." He reiterated the need for parties to adhere to their commitments under Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

UNIFIL reported that its convoy transporting peacekeepers to Beirut airport was violently attacked, resulting in a vehicle being set ablaze. The outgoing Deputy Force Commander, who was returning home after completing his mission, sustained injuries during this incident. UNIFIL expressed shock over this attack on peacekeepers dedicated to restoring stability in south Lebanon.

The statement from UNIFIL highlighted that attacks on peacekeepers violate international law and could be considered war crimes. They called for an immediate investigation by Lebanese authorities and urged that all responsible parties be brought to justice. Peacekeepers continue their efforts to restore security in south Lebanon under Security Council resolution 1701.

Guterres stressed that attacks against peacekeepers breach international law, including humanitarian law, and could amount to war crimes. He urged all parties involved to ensure the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims for a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. This resolution mandates unrestricted movement for UNIFIL throughout Lebanon.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, condemned the incident as unacceptable. She expressed her commitment to collaborating with the Lebanese government and relevant parties to maintain stability and achieve justice. "Such an act of violence threatens the safety of United Nations staff who work tirelessly to maintain stability in Lebanon, sometimes at great personal risk," she wrote on X.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call for all parties involved to uphold their obligations under Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution is crucial for achieving lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel by ensuring a permanent ceasefire. The safety of UN personnel remains a top priority as they continue their mission in challenging conditions.

In light of these events, it is essential for all stakeholders to respect the safety of UN personnel working towards stability in Lebanon. Ensuring accountability for such attacks is vital for maintaining international peacekeeping efforts in the region.

With inputs from WAM