Attack on Blue Line… Name not taken but India raised questions on Israel’s move

New Delhi: India has expressed concern over Israeli shelling on UN base in Lebanon. India has emphasized on the security of the UN complex. India has also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon. India’s statement comes after reports of a UN (United Nations) peace keeper deployed between Israel and Lebanon being injured in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shelling. MEA said that the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line (the border dividing Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights) worries us. We are keeping an eye on the situation. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that everyone should respect the sanctity of the UN building and appropriate steps should be taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers. The area between Israel and Lebanon is known as the Blue Line. This is a buffer zone where the UN force is deployed, which is a peacekeeping force.

The total length of this area is 120 kilometers. More than 10 thousand soldiers of the armies of 50 countries of the world including India are deployed under UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) on the Blue Line. There are more than 700 Indian soldiers in it. Lebanese state media reported that Israeli artillery hit a UNIFIL watchtower and the main gate of the command center in Ras Nakura, causing damage. An Israeli tank reportedly hit another UN tower on the main road between Tire and Nakura.

UNIFIL, which has been working in this area since 1978, said that the Israeli Defense Force carried out the attack deliberately. According to reports, two peacekeepers of the force were injured in the incident which took place on Thursday. China has also condemned the attack and demanded an investigation. China said the deliberate attacks on peacekeepers were a violation of international humanitarian law. Italy (which provides a large number of troops to UNIFIL) said such actions could constitute war crimes. America has also expressed deep concern.