No 10 ‘appalled’ by reports of deliberate Israeli UN attacks

UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres said firing on peacekeepers was a “violation of international humanitarian law”.

“These peacekeepers must be protected,” he said.

Andrea Tenenti, a spokesman for Unifil, said recent attacks on UN bases look like “more of a deliberate attack against our troops, who have been in the south to try to bring back stability”.

Asked about the attacks, a Downing Street spokesperson said it was “vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected” and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire.

“As you know we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to suffering and bloodshed. It is a reminder of the importance of us all renewing our diplomatic efforts to resolve this.”

Asked if the prime minister would agree with Ireland’s Taoiseach (Irish PM) that Israel had broken international law, the spokesperson says: “All parties must always do everything possible to protect civilians and comply with international law.”

Unifil was set up in March 1978 to monitor the area after Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon – a response to cross-border attacks by the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

Indonesia currently contributes the largest number of personnel to the force, followed by India, Ghana, Nepal and Italy. Since its creation, more than 300 Unifil peacekeepers have been killed.