Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union expressed its grave concern about the recent escalation along the Blue Line. The European Union condemns all attacks against UN missions. It expresses its grave concern in particular about the attacks carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which resulted in the injury of several peacekeepers. Such attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a serious violation of international law and are completely unacceptable. These attacks must stop immediately. This came in a statement issued in Brussels by the office of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, which also stated: “All parties are obliged to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times. We urgently await explanations and a comprehensive investigation from the Israeli authorities regarding the attacks against UNIFIL, which plays a fundamental role in the stability of southern Lebanon.

We urge all parties to fully fulfil their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel at all times, and to allow UNIFIL to continue implementing its mandate.

UNIFIL troops and other personnel, currently contributed by sixteen EU Member States, are working under difficult conditions to defend international peace and security. The European Union commends their professionalism and renews its steadfast support for UNIFIL’s role.

We are also deeply concerned by Hezbollah’s continued rocket fire into Israel, which must stop, and by the IDF’s strikes in densely populated areas in Lebanon, which are causing heavy civilian casualties and displacing many. We urge all parties to respect humanitarian law.” International, in all circumstances. The European Union reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, and for all parties to commit to and work towards the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.