Biden urges Israel to stop attacks on UN peacekeepers
U.S. President Joe Biden issued a firm appeal to Israel on Friday, advising against carrying out attacks on UN forces stationed in Lebanon. This was in response to recent shelling of UNIFIL peacekeeping mission positions. At the same time, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin urged Israel for the swiftest possible cessation of military operations in the region.
When asked by a journalist during a conference on Hurricane Milton whether he "appeals to Israel to cease attacks on UN peacekeeping forces," Biden replied briefly: "Absolutely, definitely."
Appeals from U.S. officials
Earlier, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, in talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, called on Israel to halt military operations in Lebanon as soon as possible and to seek a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
"Secretary Austin also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces in the region and called for coordinated efforts to transition from military operations to a diplomatic path as quickly as possible," the Pentagon stated in a release.
U.S. concerns
During Thursday's UN Security Council debate, U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, expressed deep concern over reports of injuries sustained by UN peacekeeping soldiers.
Reuters reported that on Friday, Israeli forces shelled a watchtower at the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) headquarters in the city of Nakura, injuring two people. Additionally, Israeli forces entered one of the shelled bases.
Incidents involving Israeli forces
UNIFIL command confirmed that the headquarters and nearby positions have been "repeatedly attacked" recently, and Israeli soldiers deliberately destroyed surveillance cameras.
