The Indian contingent serving in the United Nations Interim Force in South Lebanon (UNIFIL) will continue its operations despite Israel’s decision to enter the region amid escalating tensions.
Citing an UNIFIL source in southern Lebanon, news agency PTI, stated that the Indian battalion of more than 900 personnel is holding its position, and everyone is safe.
UNIFIL confirmed that the IDF had notified it of its intention to carry out “limited” ground incursions into Lebanon, asserting that its peacekeepers would remain in position despite the ongoing developments. The organisation urged all parties to refrain from escalating tensions.
This comes after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced early on Tuesday that they had launched a “targeted and limited” incursion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah installations and infrastructure in several villages along the border that posed an immediate threat to Israeli towns across the Blue Line. Ground troops operating within southern Lebanon are receiving support from air and artillery forces, according to the IDF.
This operation is believed to aim at pushing Hezbollah northward, in line with UN Security Council resolution of 1701, which stipulates that the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are the only armed forces permitted south of the Litani River.
Currently, UNIFIL comprises around 10,500 peacekeepers from 50 contributing countries, including India. Approximately 17 per cent of its activities are conducted in conjunction with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The mission is further supported by a five-vessel Maritime Task Force.
Established under UN Security Council resolutions 425 and 426 in 1978, UNIFIL’s primary objectives include overseeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, restoring international peace and security, and assisting the Government of Lebanon in re-establishing its effective authority in the region.
In 2006, following a deadly conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, UN Security Council resolution 1701 mandated UNIFIL to monitor the cessation of hostilities and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deployed throughout the south, including along the Blue Line.
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