Fiji is closely monitoring the escalating situation in Lebanon following confrontations with the Israel Defence Force (IDF) that resulted in injuries to peacekeepers stationed in Ramyah. Currently, around 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 the government is keeping an eye on the developments. “At present, Fiji has only one officer stationed in the Lebanon region,” he stated. “While we conduct our own safety assessments, we will await the United Nations’ evaluation on the ground.”
A statement from UNIFIL reported that three IDF platoons crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon, and two IDF Merkava tanks subsequently destroyed the position’s main gate and forced entry. The peacekeepers also indicated that multiple rounds were fired a short distance from their location, resulting in smoke that caused skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues for approximately 15 peacekeepers.
The UN has requested clarification from the IDF regarding these violations of international law. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have continued, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that they are aimed at Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist military group. On Sunday, Netanyahu also urged the United Nations to “immediately withdraw its peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.”