Fiji is closely monitoring the escalating situation in Lebanon following incidents involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that resulted in injuries to peacekeepers stationed in Ramyah. Currently, there are approximately 10,058 peacekeepers from over 50 countries, including Fiji, participating in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua confirmed that the government is observing the situation as it unfolds. “Currently, Fiji has only one officer stationed in the Lebanon region,” he stated. “As we conduct our own safety assessments, we will await the evaluations from the United Nations.”
A statement from UNIFIL, released on Sunday, reported that three platoons of IDF soldiers crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon, and two IDF Merkava tanks subsequently destroyed the main gate of a peacekeeping position, forcibly entering it. Peacekeepers also reported that several rounds were fired 100 meters north of their location, producing smoke that caused skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues for around 15 personnel.
The United Nations has requested an explanation from the IDF regarding these violations of international law. Meanwhile, Israel has continued its airstrikes into Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that the operations target Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist militant group. On Sunday, Netanyahu also urged the United Nations to “immediately pull its peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.”