West widely condemns Israeli attacks on UNIFIL

France, Italy and Spain on Friday condemned attacks by Israeli forces on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The three countries said in a joint statement: “Such attacks are unjustified and must stop immediately.”

The statement added: “We express our outrage following the injury of a number of peacekeepers in Naqoula.

These attacks constitute a serious violation of Israel’s obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and international humanitarian law.”

“We recall that all peacekeepers must be protected and we once again commend the continued and essential commitment of UNIFIL personnel in this extremely difficult situation,” the statement said.

The statement also called for an “immediate ceasefire.”

On Friday, US President Joe Biden called on Israel to cease fire on UNIFIL personnel deployed in southern Lebanon.

Biden, who attended a White House meeting on Hurricane Milton, was asked if he was asking Israel to stop attacking UN peacekeepers, and replied: “Of course.”

The British government also expressed shock at the reports, with a spokesman saying: “It is imperative that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” and calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the suffering and bloodshed, and compliance with international law.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said he was “deeply concerned” by the reports, while Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin went further, describing the situation as “extraordinary and deeply shocking.”

The Israeli military said in a statement on Friday that two UNIFIL soldiers were wounded by Israeli fire while responding to a “threat from southern Lebanon.”

The military said it was “undertaking a comprehensive review” to determine the details of the attack on UNIFIL troops in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL said in a statement that this was a “dangerous development,” adding that the security of UNIFIL personnel and assets must be ensured.