PH joins over 65 nations in call to protect UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

The Philippines has joined more than 65 other countries in a joint statement urging stronger protection for United Nations (UN) peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon amid recent deadly attacks.

Delivered during a joint media stakeout at the UN Headquarters on Thursday, these nations expressed concern over the safety of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the persistent attacks against UNIFIL, including the latest grave attacks which cost the lives of three Indonesian peacekeepers and injured several other peacekeepers from France, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal, and Poland,” they said.

“We also firmly condemn the unacceptable aggressive behaviour towards UNIFIL personnel and leadership recently observed,” they added.

An escalation of tension has been observed in Lebanon since March 2, according to them.

Signatories pointed out that peacekeepers must never be the target of attacks and such acts are prohibited under international law and may constitute a war crime.

They also called for swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigations into all attacks against peacekeepers, noting that those responsible must be held accountable.

Aside from security concerns, these countries also raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

There were significant civilian casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of more than one million people, according to the group.

They urged all parties to return to the 2024 cessation of hostilities arrangement and to respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to maintain peace and stability in southern Lebanon.

They also called for immediate de-escalation and a return to negotiations as they reiterated their commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and unity.

Among the countries in the joint statement are the following:

• Algeria
• Armenia
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Brunei Darussalam
• Cambodia
• People’s Republic of China
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Denmark
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ghana
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Hungary
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Italy
• Jordan
• Latvia
• Liberia
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Nepal
• The Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Pakistan
• Panama
• The Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Republic of Korea
• Romania
• Russian Federation
• Sierra Leone
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Sweden
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Timor Leste
• Türkiye
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay
• Zambia
• European Union

More countries will be joining this statement, according to the signatories.—AOL, GMA News