Indonesia confirms that two of its peacekeepers in Lebanon have been injured by Israeli fire

JAKARTA – Indonesia confirmed on October 11 that two of its UN peacekeepers were injured by Israeli fire in Lebanon, calling the attack a violation of international law.

UN peacekeepers said Israeli forces opened fire on their headquarters in southern Lebanon on October 10, wounding two peacekeepers and drawing condemnation.

Israel said it was targeting Hezbollah militants near UN posts in an operation that came after the peacekeeping mission rejected Israeli demands to “relocate” some of its positions.

“The attack on the tower in Nakura injured two personnel from Indonesia,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.

She added that the two peacekeepers suffered minor injuries and were in hospital for further observation.

“Indonesia strongly condemns the attack,” she said. “Attacking UN personnel and property is a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”

She called on all parties to ensure respect for UN territory at all times and under all circumstances.

Indonesia, a staunch critic of Israel and supporter of Palestine, currently has 1,232 personnel deployed to the UN mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL.

UNFIL has around 10,000 peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. AFP