Lebanon Condemns Israeli Drone Strike, Calls it a "War Crime"
Lebanon has condemned an Israeli drone strike in the southern city of Sidon that killed three civilians and injured several Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers. The attack, which has been labelled a "war crime", is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
The Attack
On Thursday, an Israeli drone struck a vehicle in Sidon, killing three people inside and injuring three Lebanese soldiers stationed at a military checkpoint nearby. The strike also injured five UN peacekeepers who were in the area. The UN mission said that the injuries occurred as a convoy of UN peacekeepers was passing through Sidon when the drone strike hit nearby.
Lebanese Response
Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling on the international community to denounce such attacks and hold Israel accountable. The ministry described the attack as "an escalation in Israel’s targeting of UNIFIL forces, Lebanese soldiers and civilians, constituting war crimes and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law."
The ministry reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to the essential role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in coordination with the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability along Lebanon’s internationally recognized borders, especially amid continued Israeli escalations threatening regional peace. Lebanon also reaffirmed its commitment to UN Resolution 1701, stressing the need for its full and balanced implementation to protect UNIFIL forces, Lebanese soldiers and civilians, and to achieve sustainable security in the area.
Israeli Campaign
A massive Israeli air campaign in Lebanon has been ongoing since late September against what it claims are Hezbollah targets, an escalation in year-long cross-border warfare since the start of the Gaza war. Israel launched a ground assault into southern Lebanon on October 1, and the fighting has continued to escalate. According to Lebanese health authorities, more than 3,100 people have been killed and over 13,800 injured in Israeli attacks since October 2023.
Conclusion
The latest attack is just one example of the escalation in violence between Israel and Lebanon, and it has raised concerns about the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community must condemn such attacks and work towards a negotiated settlement that respects the rights and sovereignty of all parties involved.
FAQs
Q: What is the latest development in the conflict between Israel and Lebanon?
A: The Lebanese Foreign Ministry has condemned an Israeli drone strike in the southern city of Sidon that killed three civilians and injured several Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers.
Q: What is the position of the international community on the conflict?
A: The international community has expressed concern about the escalating violence and has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Q: What is the impact of the conflict on civilians?
A: According to Lebanese health authorities, more than 3,100 people have been killed and over 13,800 injured in Israeli attacks since October 2023.
Q: What is the role of UNIFIL in the conflict?
A: UNIFIL is working with the Lebanese Army to maintain security and stability along Lebanon’s internationally recognized borders, especially amid continued Israeli escalations threatening regional peace.