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, approximately 10,058 peacekeepers from over 50 countries, including Fiji, are deployed in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua confirmed that Fiji is observing the developments. “Currently, Fiji has only one officer stationed in the Lebanon region,” he stated. He added that while they are conducting their own safety assessments, they will wait for the United Nations’ evaluations on the ground.
A statement from UNIFIL released on Sunday indicated that three platoons of IDF soldiers had crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon. Following this, two IDF Merkava tanks breached the main gate of a position and forcefully entered the area. Peacekeepers reported that several rounds were fired 100 meters north of their location, resulting in smoke that caused skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues for about 15 peacekeepers.
The UN has requested an explanation from the IDF regarding these violations of international law. Meanwhile, Israel continues its airstrikes in Lebanon, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims are aimed at Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist military organization. Netanyahu has also urged the United Nations to “immediately pull its peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.”