The fragile peace in southern Lebanon is under increasing threat as tensions between Israel and the United Nations peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, escalate dramatically.
Since the beginning of Israel’s ground operation earlier this month, the situation has grown increasingly perilous for the international troops tasked with maintaining stability in the region.
The UNIFIL forces have recently reported that Israeli troops are firing at their positions, leading to injuries among peacekeepers and damage to their facilities.
This alarming trend raises serious concerns about the safety of UN personnel, particularly after two peacekeepers sustained injuries in recent confrontations.
A watchtower at a UN base was also damaged, highlighting the direct risks faced by those trying to uphold peace in a highly volatile environment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for UN forces to withdraw from combat zones was swiftly rejected by the UN, indicating a deepening rift over the role of these international troops.
To gain insight into the unfolding crisis, we spoke with Ray Murphy, a former officer with the Irish contingent of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon during the 1980s.
Now a professor of human rights at the National University of Ireland, Murphy shared his perspective on the recent incidents involving UNIFIL personnel coming under fire.
He emphasized the seriousness of these developments, noting that UNIFIL has been present in Lebanon since 1978 and was restructured in 2006 with the support of both Israeli and Lebanese authorities.
Murphy stressed that UN peacekeepers are designated as protected persons under international law, operating under the authority of the United Nations Security Council.
Their mandate does not include engaging in combat, which makes them particularly vulnerable as they are often stationed in exposed positions meant to facilitate observation and reporting on regional activities.
This vulnerability places them at heightened risk, especially with the current escalation of military actions in the area.
The role of UNIFIL, defined by Resolution 1701, aims to maintain peace and security in the region.
However, Murphy pointed out that some objectives outlined in this resolution were unrealistic even at the time of its adoption, and the challenges have only intensified since then.
One of the key goals was to oversee the disarmament of Hezbollah, a task that remains unfulfilled as the group has historically shown hostility towards UN forces.
As Israel conducts extensive military operations in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL finds itself caught in the crossfire.
Murphy expressed concern that Israel seeks to operate without international oversight, fearing that the presence of UN observers could impede its military objectives.
He warned that if this trend continues, the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities among UN troops could become a grim reality.
Interestingly, the composition of the UNIFIL force includes a significant European presence, with countries like Ireland, Italy, and France contributing troops.
This aspect complicates Israel’s position, as it faces pressure from these nations regarding the safety of their personnel.
Murphy noted that this dynamic adds another layer to the already tense situation.
In a controversial claim, Israel has accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL positions as human shields, asserting that the armed group operates near these posts to shield themselves from Israeli fire.
Murphy acknowledged this tactic, explaining that armed groups often exploit the proximity of UN positions to launch attacks, knowing that targeting them would be politically sensitive.
Despite the dangers, UNIFIL has made it clear that it will not withdraw from its current operations.
The Security Council and contributing nations have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the peacekeeping mission.
However, Murphy suggested that some vulnerable observation posts may need to be reassessed for safety, allowing for possible redeployment to less exposed locations.
The stakes are high as UNIFIL continues its mission amidst escalating violence.
Murphy cautioned that if Israel fails to prioritize the safety of UN personnel, the likelihood of casualties increases significantly.
He noted that even if Israeli forces do not intentionally target UN posts, the precarious positioning of these peacekeepers leaves them vulnerable to unintentional harm.
Hezbollah has publicly stated it will respect the presence of UN peacekeepers, but Murphy remains skeptical.
Given the group’s history and unpredictable nature, he advised caution in relying on their assurances.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, aware that the fate of UNIFIL personnel hangs in the balance amid the ongoing conflict.
