Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the shelling of UNIFIL in Lebanon
News story | Date: 11/10/2024 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
'It is deeply concerning that the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been fired upon by Israeli forces', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
‘It is deeply concerning that the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been fired upon by Israeli forces. UNIFIL has been present along the border with Israel since 1978’, said Eide.
‘The peacekeeping force plays a crucial role in monitoring the situation and acting as a neutral actor that helps de-escalate conflict and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The UN's positions and infrastructure are well-known and clearly marked. It is, therefore, highly reprehensible that Israeli forces have now targeted several of UNIFIL's positions’, said Eide.
‘I strongly urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. All parties must adhere to and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1701’, said Eide.