Netherlands condemns attacks on UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon

The Netherlands is among the 40 countries that have condemned the recent attacks on the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL. In a statement published on Saturday, the countries declared that the shelling “must stop immediately and be properly investigated”.

“We call on the parties to the conflict to respect UNIFIL and ensure the safety of its personnel at all times so that it can continue its work for peace and stability in Lebanon and the region,” the statement reads. It was drawn up on the initiative of Poland and initially signed by 34 countries. A short time later, six more countries joined.

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans shared the joint declaration on X and added: “The safety of our military personnel in the UN missions in Lebanon (as well as in Israel and the Palestinian territories) must be respected. Everyone must abide by international agreements.”

Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also shared on social media that the Netherlands stands for the protection of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. “The safety and security of UN peacekeepers must be respected. It is crucial to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon and to implement UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559,” Veldkamp wrote on X.

Five blue helmets (UN peacekeepers) were wounded in two days of Israeli attacks on UNIFIL bases in southern Lebanon. Israel wants the peacekeepers to leave the area or at least not take up positions within five kilometers of the Israeli border. The country is on the offensive against the militant Lebanese Hezbollah movement.