UK concerned over attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

The UK government has expressed concern over recent attacks on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon and spoke of the importance of their protection.

In response to a parliamentary question from Harpreet Uppal, MP for Huddersfield, on discussions about the safety of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence, provided details of ongoing conversations between the UK and international partners.

Pollard stated, “The Secretary of State for Defence has regular conversations with international partners and Cabinet colleagues, including on the situation in Lebanon.”

He referenced recent joint statements by both G7 Defence Ministers and the Foreign Ministers of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, issued in mid-October, underscoring the UK’s concerns about the ongoing violence and risks of escalation in Lebanon.

“As expressed in the G7 Defence Ministers joint statement on 17 October 2024, and in the joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy on 14 October, the UK is concerned by the latest events in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation, as well as by all threats to UNIFIL’s security,” Pollard explained.

The response stressed the UK’s call for Israel and all parties involved in the conflict to uphold their obligations and ensure the safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Pollard added, “The UK has been clear that Israel and all parties must uphold their obligations to always ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and to allow UNIFIL to continue carrying out its mandate. The protection of peacekeepers is incumbent upon all parties to a conflict; any deliberate attack against UNIFIL goes against international humanitarian law.”

Pollard also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces, noting the critical role they play in maintaining stability in Lebanon. He stated, “The UK also reaffirms the importance of supporting UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces in their role of ensuring the stability and security of Lebanon.”

This statement follows growing international concern over the security of peacekeepers in Lebanon amid heightened tensions in the region.