MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement condemning any action that endangers the safety and security of U.N. Peacekeepers, after reports of Israeli forces fired at a U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) tower in the southern Lebanon village of Kafer Kela.
“The Philippines strongly condemns any action that endangers the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers as they fulfill their mandate in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,” the statement read.
“We urge all U.N. Member States to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure that peacekeepers are permitted to carry out their critical work. Violations of peacekeeping mandates undermine the rules-based international order and destabilize regions where peace efforts are most needed,” the DFA added.
READ #DFAStatement: DFA Statement to the status of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL) #DFAForgingAhead pic.twitter.com/6itxYXnduZ
— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) October 17, 2024
The DFA further stated its affirmation to multilateral cooperation “for the promotion of international peace and security."
In a statement on X, UNIFIL mentioned that peacekeepers near Kafer Kela observed an Israel Defense Force (IDF) Merkava tank firing at their watchtower, destroying two cameras in the process and the tower sustaining damage due to the attack.
“This morning, peacekeepers at a position near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower. Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged. Yet again we see direct and apparently deliberate fire on a UNIFIL position,” UNIFIL posted on X.
“We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times,” UNIFIL stated.
UNIFIL statement:
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 16, 2024
This morning, peacekeepers at a position near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower. Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged.
Yet again we see direct and apparently deliberate fire on a UNIFIL position.
Israel has been receiving criticism over attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned them to “temporarily” leave the area where the military is operating against Hezbollah militants, reports said.
According to reports, five peacekeepers were wounded in attacks against the Hezbollah by what is believed are from Israel forces.
Following the attacks, the U.N. Security Council expressed “strong concern”, while the European Union “condemned the attacks”.
Established by the UN Security Council, UNIFIL is tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the area.
“Despite the difficult situation and threats to the safety and security of its personnel, UNIFIL remains committed to its mandate,” the Mission spokesperson said.
In an exclusive interview with UN News on Wednesday before reports of the latest incident of tank fire, Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said that peacekeepers continue to monitor the situation and report to the Security Council, and are doing their utmost to enable humanitarian aid to reach tens of thousands of affected families in the region.
Meanwhile, the DFA said that the Philippines currently does not have peacekeepers deployed to UNIFIL.
