Fiji is closely monitoring the escalating situation in Lebanon following incidents involving the Israel Defence Force (IDF) that resulted in injuries to peacekeepers in Ramyah. Currently, there are approximately 10,058 peacekeepers from more than 50 countries, including Fiji, deployed in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua confirmed that the government is observing the developments. “At the moment, Fiji has only one officer stationed in the Lebanon region,” he stated. “While we conduct our own safety assessments, we will await what the United Nations evaluates on the ground.”
Last Sunday, UNIFIL reported that three IDF platoons crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon, with two IDF Merkava tanks damaging the main gate of a position and entering forcibly. Peacekeepers also indicated that several rounds were fired 100 meters north of their position, resulting in smoke that caused skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions in around 15 peacekeepers.
The United Nations has requested an explanation from the IDF regarding these breaches of international law. Meanwhile, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that these operations target members of Hezbollah, a Shiite Islamist military organization. He has also urged the United Nations to “immediately pull its peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.”