US Defense Secretary calls on Israel to ensure security of UN forces in Lebanon amid shelling of peacekeepers

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday evening and urged "to ensure the security of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon."

This is reported by The Guardian.

"I urged ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinating efforts to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible. I made clear that the United States is well postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies against attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies. Minister Gallant and I reiterated our commitment to preventing any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region. We also discussed urgent steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” Austin said on X.

The conversation between Austin and Gallant is said to have come after the UN said Israeli forces fired on two UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon and "repeatedly hit" the headquarters of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon in Naqoura. Both peacekeepers remain in hospital, the UN said on Thursday.

“We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times," the UN added.

The newspaper reported that since Israel launched a war in Gaza last October, and more recently in Lebanon, nearly 300 humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict, including more than two-thirds of UN staff.

In May, Human Rights Watch published a report in which it said that Israeli forces were attacking known locations of humanitarian workers in the region.

" This pattern of attacks despite proper notification of Israeli authorities raises serious questions about Israel’s commitment and capacity to comply with international humanitarian law, which some countries, including the UK, rely on to continue to license arms exports that end up in Israel," the statement of the Human Rights Watch added.

As the Ukrainian News agency reported, in the meantime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine made a statement that the incident with Israeli troops shelling positions of the UN Interim Forces in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a violation of international humanitarian law and a UN Security Council resolution.

To request a correction, please send an email.