Ottawa: Canada and several other countries have strongly condemned the killing of United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, calling for an immediate end to the violence and greater protection for international forces working in the conflict zone.
In a joint statement, countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and others expressed deep concern over the deaths of three peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The peacekeepers, who were from Indonesia, were killed during escalating clashes in southern Lebanon in late March.
Preliminary findings from the United Nations indicate that one peacekeeper was killed by tank fire believed to be from Israeli forces, while the other two died in an explosion likely caused by an improvised device linked to Hezbollah. The incident has raised serious concerns as it suggests involvement from both sides of the conflict.
The group of countries described the killings as unacceptable and warned that continued attacks on peacekeepers could violate international law. They urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect the safety of United Nations personnel and to take steps to prevent further loss of life.
The condemnation follows a broader international response in recent days. More than sixty countries and the European Union have already spoken out against attacks on UN peacekeepers, with some warning that such incidents may amount to war crimes. The United Nations has also called for a full investigation and accountability.
The violence in Lebanon has intensified in recent weeks after Hezbollah launched missile attacks on Israel, prompting strong military retaliation. The situation is part of a wider regional crisis linked to tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States.
Despite a temporary easing of tensions between the United States and Iran, the fighting in Lebanon has continued without pause. Israel has maintained its military operations, while diplomatic efforts to expand ceasefire talks to include Lebanon have so far failed.
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is worsening rapidly. Reports indicate that more than two thousand people have been killed since early March, and over one million people have been forced to flee their homes. Hospitals, aid facilities and civilian areas have also been affected by the ongoing strikes.
Canada and its partners have called for urgent humanitarian access and renewed diplomatic efforts to restore peace. They stressed that protecting civilians and international peacekeepers must remain a priority as the conflict continues to unfold.