Spain demands Israel immediately cease attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

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UN peacekeepers

The Spanish government has called for an immediate end to Israel’s attacks on UN peacekeeper headquarters in Naqura, southern Lebanon. In a formal statement, Spain strongly condemned the latest Israeli military strikes on Friday, which left two peacekeepers injured—none of them Spanish.

The government urged Israel, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, to comply with International Humanitarian Law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Spain summons Israeli representative

Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, summoned Israel’s acting head of diplomatic affairs in Madrid to protest the attacks on UN forces. The Israeli ambassador was withdrawn earlier this year after Spain’s recognition of Palestine, leaving the chargé d’affaires as the country’s highest representative.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also condemned the violence after meeting Pope Francis, stating: “This spiral of violence in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank must end. Diplomatic solutions are urgently needed.”

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UN mission in Lebanon under fire

The UN’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been one of the organisation’s longest-running operations since its creation in 1978 to oversee Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Spain, along with France and Italy, has troops stationed in the region as part of the mission, with over 650 Spanish soldiers currently deployed.

France and Italy also expressed concerns, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Defence Minister calling on Israel to respect the safety of peacekeepers. Spain reaffirmed that attacks on peacekeepers constitute a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law, demanding an immediate halt to the hostilities and ensuring the safety of UN forces in Lebanon.

Also read: Spaniards condemn Israeli offensive in Gaza

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