Indian UN peacekeeping force holds firm in south Lebanon amid Israeli ground incursion

In the face of Israel’s “imminent” ground incursion, The Indian contingent in the United Nations Interim Force in South Lebanon (UNIFIL) will be staying put and performing its duties.

Amid escalating tensions in the region, the (Indian) battalion of more than 900 people is holding its position and everybody is safe," a UNIFIL source in south Lebanon told PTI over the phone Tuesday.

Israel has launched a ground operation in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. This incursion, dubbed the “next phase” by Israel’s National Security Cabinet, represents the fourth instance of Israeli soldiers entering Lebanese territory in approximately 50 years.

The operation follows heightened airstrikes in recent days, resulting in hundreds of casualties, widespread destruction of homes, and displacement of around 1 million people in Lebanon. However, Israel’s military characterised the operation as “limited” in scope and to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure.

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UNIFIL confirmed that the IDF notified it of its intention to undertake “limited” ground incursions into Lebanon, asserting that despite the developments in Lebanon, its peacekeepers will remain in position.

It also urged all actors to step back from the escalatory acts. UNIFIL has around 10,500 peacekeepers drawn from 50 troop-contributing countries, including India.

Seventeen per cent of its activities are carried out jointly with the Lebanese Armed Forces. UNIFIL is also complemented by a five-vessel Maritime Task Force. It was established as per UN Security Council resolutions 425 and 426 of 1978 to carry out the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area.

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Later in 2006, after Israel and Hezbollah fought a deadly war, UN Security Council resolution 1701 mandated UNIFIL to carry out monitoring of the cessation of hostilities and accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south, including along the Blue Line.

With inputs from agencies.