Joint statement urges stronger protection for UNIFIL peacekeepers after deadly attacks

A presenter read a joint statement on behalf of troop-contributing countries to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), several other member states and the European Union urging stronger protection for peacekeepers after a recent uptick in violence.

The statement said the signatories were “deeply concerned over the escalation of tension in Lebanon since 2 March 2026 and its impact on the safety and security of peacekeepers.” It condemned “in the strongest terms the persistent attacks against UNIFIL,” adding that the latest grave attacks had “cost the lives of three Indonesian peacekeepers” and injured several others from France, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal and Poland.

The presenters emphasized legal protections for peacekeepers, saying that they “must never be the target of attack” and that attacks on them are prohibited under international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and “may constitute a war crime.” They urged the UN and the Security Council to “exert all tools available at its disposal to strengthen the protection of UN peacekeepers.”

The statement called for prompt, transparent and comprehensive investigations into attacks on peacekeepers and requested that relevant troop-contributing countries be kept informed of progress, explicitly citing Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021). It said those responsible “must be held accountable.”

Signatories also expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, citing significant civilian casualties, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the mass displacement of more than 1 million people. The presenters urged parties to return to the 2024 cessation of hostilities arrangement and to resume negotiations, and they reiterated support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity.

"The safety and security of UN peacekeepers is non-negotiable," the presenter said, adding thanks to the dedication of UN peacekeepers and appreciation to troop-contributing countries.

The statement closed with an appeal for de-escalation and a call for all parties to return to the negotiating table. The reading did not specify follow-up actions or timelines beyond the call for investigations and Security Council engagement.