The United Nations humanitarian chief has made a compelling appeal to the UN Security Council (UNSC) regarding the urgent need to safeguard civilians in Lebanon as Israel escalates its ground invasion and aerial bombardment of the country.
During an emergency UNSC session held on Tuesday, Tom Fletcher highlighted the critical nature of this issue in light of recent statements from Israeli ministers concerning Israel's strategic objectives in Lebanon, as well as its ongoing military campaign against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“Given the trajectory that some Israeli ministers have described and given what we have seen in plain sight in Gaza, how will you protect civilians?” Fletcher posed to the council.
Moreover, he expressed profound concern about the forcible displacement affecting more than 1.1 million individuals since Israel intensified its operations on March 2, following missile strikes from Hezbollah into Israeli territory.
This session followed remarks made by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who articulated plans for Israel to maintain an occupation of portions of southern Lebanon, even after conflicts with Hezbollah have concluded. This occupation aims to create a security control area extending to the Litani River.
Human rights organizations have condemned these military actions, expressing alarm over strikes on civilian infrastructure and the hindrance faced by displaced individuals attempting to return to their homes.
The ongoing invasion has led to an increase in violence, evidenced by the tragic deaths of three UN peacekeepers in the area. Two Indonesian peacekeepers lost their lives to a roadside explosion that affected their vehicle, while another peacekeeper was killed by a projectile in a separate incident.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations, underlined the imperative of accountability and adherence to international law during the UNSC session, highlighting that peacekeepers must never be targeted.
The Secretary-General has called upon all engaged parties to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel while adhering to their commitments under international law.
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