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Israel's parliament voted Monday to ban the operations of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, the main humanitarian aid agency operating in Gaza. "This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to #Palestine Refugees," Lazzarini wrote. UNRWA is a U.N. aid organization established in 1949 to provide aid and protection to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Some Israeli critics have said that the agency perpetuates a false narrative that Palestinians are refugees, which Lazzarini referenced in his statement. And U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was declared “persona non grata" by Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, and was banned from entering Israel.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Philippe Lazzarini, Israel, Biden, Matthew Miller, Miller, Lazzarini, Netanyahu, Michael Martin, Boaz, Antonio Guterres, Israel Katz Organizations: United Nations, UNRWA, . State Department, State Department, Palestine Refugees, West, UN, Ireland, Agency, Assembly, Israel Defense Forces, . Interim Forces, U.N Locations: Gaza, Israeli, Israel, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, East, organization’s

☆ Israel’s ties with Europe strained by wars in Gaza and Lebanon
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-20 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Adding impetus to their effort is the fact Israeli military strikes are now hitting UN peacekeeping bases in southern Lebanon, which house European troops. European reproach of Israel reached new levels when Israeli military strikes began hitting posts of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. The UN has said Israel’s military has fired on its peacekeepers multiple times in recent weeks, injuring more than a dozen. ‘We have blocked everything’Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned Israel’s actions in Lebanon, including an Israeli military strike that hit a UN peacekeeping base where around 1,100 Italian troops are stationed. In an earlier move that protested Israel’s war in Gaza, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized Palestinian statehood in May.

Persons: CNN —, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, ” Hugh Lovatt, Josep Borrell, Ali Moustafa, ” Lovatt, ”, Biden, It’s, ” Borrell, Lovatt, Israel, Maya Sion, Netanyahu, António Guterres, Emmanuel Macron, “ Netanyahu, Macron, Carl Court, ” Macron, ” Netanyahu, Borrell, Guterres, Giorgia Meloni, ” Meloni, Meloni, Tzidkiyahu, Keir Starmer, of National Security Itamar Ben, Bezalel Smotrich, David Cameron, Ben Gvir, Smotrich, ” Ben Gvir’s, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Israel “ Organizations: CNN, UN, EU, North Africa, Foreign Relations, Hamas, European Union, Red Crescent, Reuters, UNIFIL, Europe, Agence France, Presse, United Nations Interim Force, AFP, Israel, UK, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Foreign Affairs Council, Getty, of National Security, Finance, Sky News, DPA, Nazi Locations: CNN — Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, East, Berlin, Rafah, Egypt, United States, “, Iran, Spain, Ireland, Italy, France, Tzidkiyahu, Jerusalem, Paris, AFP, Marjayoun, Vichy, Stockholm, Germany, United Kingdom, Irish, Sion, Norway, Britain, Lebanese, Khiam, Palestine

Having failed to secure a cease-fire, President Joe Biden’s administration is signaling that it supports Israel’s operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah and the group’s eventual withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Adopted by the United Nations in 2006 after the last major war between Israel and Hezbollah, 1701 was designed to pave the way for a lasting peace. With Hezbollah excluded, the Lebanese army and thousands of peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) would have maintained an armed presence south of Lebanon’s Litani River. Smoke billows during Israeli shelling on the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon. More than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and an estimated 1.2 million have been displaced, according to Lebanese officials.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, Matthew Miller, Rabih Daher, Benjamin Netayahu’s Organizations: ”, United, United Nations, United Nations Interim Force, Getty, Hamas, Palestinian, Israel, Biden Administration, UNIFIL Locations: Iran, Lebanon, Israel, United Nations, UNIFIL, Lebanon’s Litani, Lebanese, Kfar Kila, AFP, Gaza

☆ U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon will not give in to Israeli demand to 'get out of harm's way'
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Freddie Clayton | Freddie Clayton Is A Freelance Journalist Based In London. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

His comments came after the U.N. Security Council expressed “strong concern” following the attacks in a statement issued after emergency closed consultations on Lebanon. Although it did not name either Israel, Lebanon or Hezbollah, the statement which was read by Swiss U.N. Vehicles from the UNFIL force patrol in Marjayoun in southern Lebanon on Saturday. In the backdrop of its invasion of Lebanon, Israel is also weighing up its response to the missile barrage launched by Iran earlier this month, sparking fears that a massive retaliation could stoke a wider regional conflict. Satellite imagery shows what appears to be Israeli tanks surrounding a UNIFIL base near Maroun Al Ras in southern Lebanon earlier this month.

Persons: Jean, Pierre Lacroix, Antonio Guterres, Lacroix, Pascale Baeriswyl, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, ”, Andrea Tenenti, Joe Biden’s, Netanyahu, Joe Biden Organizations: United Nations, United Nations Interim Force, . Security, U.N, UNIFIL, Vehicles, Saturday, AFP, Getty, Israel, stoke, Planet, The Washington Post Locations: Lebanon, Israel, “, New York, Swiss, Iranian, Gaza, Marjayoun, UNIFIL, Iran, Maroun Al Ras, The Washington, United States

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon) armoured personnel carriers depart a base to patrol near the Lebanon- Israel border on October 5. UNIFIL — the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon — has called the violations “shocking” while Israel has accused Hezbollah of operating in areas near UNIFIL posts. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established by the UN Security Council following Israel’s first invasion into southern Lebanon in 1978. It acts as a de-facto border between the two countries since Lebanon and Israel have an ongoing border dispute. The UNIFIL troops are tasked with monitoring border violations and keeping the area, which includes Hezbollah strongholds — secure.

Persons: Carl Court, Lebanon — Organizations: UNIFIL, United Nations Interim Force, UN, UNIFIL — Locations: Lebanon, Israel, UNIFIL, Indonesia, Italy, India, Nepal, Ghana, Malaysia

☆ What is UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force on the Israel-Lebanon border?
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-14 | by ( Kara Fox | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

UNIFIL – the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon – has called the violations “shocking.”Israel has accused Hezbollah of operating in areas near UNIFIL posts. On Friday, two UNIFIL troops were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established by the UN Security Council following Israel’s first invasion into southern Lebanon in 1978. The UNIFIL troops are tasked with monitoring border violations and keeping the area, which includes Hezbollah strongholds – secure. While UNIFIL is a peacekeeping mission, troops can use force in certain circumstances, including self-defense, to protect civilians under the imminent threat of violence and to protect UN personnel facilities and equipment.

Persons: Lebanon –, ” Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, ”, António Guterres, “, ” Guterres, Meiss ej Jebel, Israel, Aziz Taher, Harry Koundakjian Organizations: CNN, UN, UNIFIL –, UNIFIL, Israel, IDF, United Nations Interim Force, Reuters, UN Security Council, The Security, Advance UNIFIL, AP, Blue Locations: Lebanon, Labbouneh, Ramyah, shellings, Meiss ej, France, UNIFIL, Lebanese, Naqoura, Israel, Norwegian, Indonesia, Italy, India, Nepal, Ghana, Malaysia, Spain, China, Ireland, United Kingdom, Peru, Nigeria

CNN —Concerns are mounting for the safety of United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon amid Israel’s ground incursion, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned on Thursday, after Israeli fire resulted in the injury of two UN troops. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported early Thursday that the peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired toward an observation tower at its headquarters in the southern Lebanese city Naqoura. “The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL,” the IDF said in a statement after Thursday’s incident. UN peacekeepers have been stationed in southern Lebanon since 2006, per a mandate by the United Nations Security Council. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni summoned the Israeli ambassador in Rome on Thursday after what she described as “unacceptable” behavior by the Israeli forces.

Persons: Jean, Pierre Lacroix, Peace Operations Lacroix, ” Lacroix, ” UNFIL, ”, Farhan Haq, –, Indonesian –, Wafiq Safa, Giorgia Meloni, Stefano Messina, Yoav Gallant, “, Micheál Martin, Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Organizations: CNN, United Nations, UN, UN Security, Peace Operations, UN Interim Force, Israel Defense Forces, UNIFIL, IDF, Indonesian, United Nations Security Council, Hezbollah, Italy’s, Israel’s, Italian UNIFIL, Irish, European Union High Representative, Foreign Affairs Locations: Lebanon, Iran, Lebanese, “, Naqoura, Israel, Beirut, Italy, France, Ireland, Rome, Italian, ” France, EU

ISRAEL LEBANON Israeli armored vehicles crossed the border Vehicle tracks Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area Vehicle tracks Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area Flattened buildings Israeli armored vehicles YAROUN YAROUN Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area LEBANON ISRAEL Flattened buildings Vehicle tracks Israeli armored vehicles crossed the border Vehicle tracks Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area ISRAEL Israeli armored vehicles crossed the border LEBANON Vehicle tracks Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area Vehicle tracks Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area Flattened buildings Israeli armored vehicles YAROUN ISRAEL LEBANON Israeli armored vehicles crossed the border Vehicle tracks Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area Vehicle tracks Israeli vehicles in a bulldozed area Flattened buildings Israeli armored vehicles YAROUN Source: Satellite image by Planet Labs, Oct. 5Tank tracks leading from Israel across the border to the Lebanese village of Yaroun are visible in satellite images taken on Saturday by Planet Labs, a commercial satellite provider. So are newly constructed banks of earth where the Israeli military set up positions for tanks and other military vehicles. Over the past week, the Israeli military has flattened large parts of two border villages: Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun, seen in the video above that was filmed by the Israeli military and verified by The Times. Aug. 28, 2024 Rubble YAROUN Destroyed buildings Rubble YAROUN Destroyed buildings Oct. 5, 2024 YAROUN Area flattened YAROUN Area flattened Oct. 5, 2024 Newly destroyed buildings Appears burned YAROUN Appears burned Newly destroyed buildings Appears burned YAROUN Appears burned Even before the ground invasion, months of rocket strikes had damaged Yaroun, this satellite imagery from the summer shows. Aug. 28 MAROUN AL-RAS Destroyed building MAROUN AL-RAS Destroyed building Oct. 5 Israeli military vehicles Vehicle tracks Israeli military vehicles MAROUN AL-RAS Vehicle tracks Vehicle tracks Israeli military vehicles Vehicle tracks MAROUN AL-RAS Oct. 5 Newly destroyed buildings MAROUN AL-RAS Destroyed mosque Flattened area Newly destroyed buildings Destroyed mosque MAROUN AL-RAS Flattened area Maroun al-Ras has seen fighting before: It was the scene of a major battle during Israel’s 2006 invasion of Lebanon.

Persons: Israel, Israel Maroun, Ras, Ras Naqoura, Maroun, Ali Qassem Tafeh, Hassan Awada, MAROUN, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, ”, ” Mr, Rajagopal, Tafeh, Hussein Jaafar, Yaroun's, “ Organizations: Hezbollah, The New York Times, Planet Labs, The Times, United Nations Interim Force, New York Times, Times, United Nations, Hague Convention, National News Agency Locations: Yaroun, Lebanon, ISRAEL LEBANON Israeli, LEBANON ISRAEL, Israeli, LEBANON Israeli, Israel, Lebanese, Lebanon Israel Nabatieh, Litani, Deir Aames, Area, Gaza, Maroun, Jerusalem, Geneva

Ilia Yefimovich/dpa/APThis week’s ground incursion into southern Lebanon is the latest chapter in a long history of Israel sending its troops into the territory of its northern neighbor. In response, Israel occupied most of the southern part of the country, despite Lebanon’s claims it had nothing to do with the bus attack. But it resulted in a years-long occupation of southern Lebanon and Israeli troops bogged down in a protracted and increasingly unpopular war. Israeli troops withdrew from West Beirut after that but continued to occupy southern Lebanon until 2000. 2006: In 2006, Hezbollah militants infiltrated Israel in a surprise attack, killing eight Israeli soldiers and kidnapping two more in an attempt to prompt a prisoner exchange.

Persons: Ilia Yefimovich, Israel, Sabra, Shatila Organizations: Palestinian Liberation Organization, PLO, United Nations Interim Force, Christian Lebanese, UN, Human Rights Watch, IDF Locations: Lebanon, Israel, UNIFIL, West Beirut

☆ Israel, Hezbollah trade fire for second day after Gaza truce ends
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants exchanged fire across the Israel-Lebanon border on Saturday in a second day of hostilities after the collapse of a truce in Gaza between Palestinian group Hamas and Israel. Iran-backed Hezbollah said in a statement that one of its fighters was killed but did not specify when. Three people in south Lebanon were killed by Israeli shelling on Friday in south Lebanon, according to Lebanon's state news agency. The Israeli military said it carried out shelling near Naqoura after spotting "unusual activity" in the area. It has been the worst fighting since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, a Hamas ally.

Persons: Maggie Fick, Angus MacSwan, David Holmes Organizations: United Nations Interim Force, UNIFIL, Hezbollah, Thomson Locations: BEIRUT, JERUSALEM, Israel, Lebanon, Gaza, Palestinian, Iran, Shomera, Marwahin, UNIFIL, Naqoura, Rmaych, Tayr, Beirut, Jerusalem

In the latest incident, a UNIFIL patrol was hit by Israeli gunfire in the vicinity of Aytaroun of southern Lebanon, although there were no casualties. The force is deployed in southern Lebanon with the primary role of helping maintain international peace and security. Last December, an Irish soldier serving in UNIFIL was killed after the UNIFIL vehicle he was travelling in was fired on as it travelled in southern Lebanon. Seven people were charged by a Lebanese military tribunal in January for his death, the first fatal attack on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon since 2015. Calm had prevailed on the border since Hamas and Israel agreed a temporary truce that began on Nov. 24.

Persons: I've, Stephen MacEoin, Shamrock, MacEoin, Andrea Tenenti, Tenenti, We’ve, Aziz Taher, Hussein Al Waille, Maggie Fick, William Maclean Organizations: Camp Shamrock, United Nations Interim Force, UNIFIL, Reuters, United, Security Council, Thomson Locations: Lebanon, UNIFIL, Maroun, Ras, Lebanese, Israel, Gaza, Tiri, Lebanon's, Iran, United Nations, Aytaroun, Irish, Seven, U.N

A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) vehicle was damaged after its patrol was hit by Israel Defense Forces gunfire, UNIFIL said Saturday. ET) in the area of Aytaroun, in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This attack on peacekeepers, dedicated to reducing tensions & restoring stability in south Lebanon, is deeply troubling,” UNIFIL said Saturday. Remember: Fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed paramilitary group Hezbollah is centered on northern Israel and southern Lebanon — separate from Israel's fighting with Hamas further south, which is centered around Gaza. The group has linked its attacks on Israel to Israel’s targeting of Lebanese territory, and the fighting remains limited to this border region for now.

Persons: Arolodo Lázaro Organizations: United Nations Interim Force, Israel Defense Forces, UNIFIL, IDF, CNN, Hezbollah, Hamas Locations: Lebanon, UNIFIL, Aytaroun, Israel, Iran, Gaza, Lebanese

☆ France to give armoured vehicles to Lebanese army - defence minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

PARIS, Nov 6 (Reuters) - France will send dozens of armoured vehicles to the Lebanese army so it can properly carry out patrol missions in the country, France's defence minister said in remarks published on Monday. "We will pursue our partnership with military equipment, notably for the transport of troops protected by armour, which is key to maintain patrols," he said, adding that several dozen armoured vehicles would be given to the Lebanese army soon. "Our support for the Lebanese army is for the long-term whatever the current difficulties," Lecornu added. Paris will also provide medicines and is setting up a joint programme to purchase medical supplies at reasonable prices for the Lebanese army in the future, he said. France has sought to use its historical relationship with Lebanon to try to defuse tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, but violence has spiked.

Persons: Lebanon's, Sebastien Lecornu, Lecornu, John Irish, Gareth Jones Organizations: Lebanese, United Nations, UN Interim Force, Thomson Locations: France, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Paris, United States

☆ U.N. Base in Lebanon Hit by Blast as Israel, Hezbollah Trade Fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The United Nations said that its headquarters in southern Lebanon had been hit Sunday by a rocket amid an unnerving increase in attacks along the Israel-Lebanon border. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, which is meant to help keep peace along the Israel-Lebanon border, said its base on the Mediterranean Sea had been hit by a rocket, but that there were no injuries. “Despite our efforts, military escalation continues,” the U.N. force said. “We urge all the parties involved to cease fire and allow us, as peacekeepers, to help find solutions. No one wants to see more people hurt or killed.”

Persons: “, ” Organizations: United Nations, United Nations Interim Force Locations: Lebanon, Israel

☆ Why have guns gone quiet on the Israel-Lebanon border?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Tamara Qiblawi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

After five days of near constant crossfire between fighters in Lebanon and Israeli forces, the guns seem to have largely gone quiet. Hezbollah’s political stance has unambiguously supported the Palestinian militants. Hezbollah has fired back at Israeli border positions with precision-guided missiles. Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP via Getty ImagesThree Hezbollah militants and three Israeli soldiers have been killed in the nearly week-long exchange of fire here. Thursday’s calm on the Lebanon-Israel border – interrupted occasionally by Israeli interceptions of rockets from Palestinian militants – begs many questions.

Persons: Israel’s, Mahmoud Zayyat, Gerald R Ford, Houthi, Bashar al, Assad, Syria’s, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, Lebanon's, Emilie Madi, Hassan Nasrallah, – Organizations: Lebanon CNN, Palestinian, United Nations Interim Force, UNIFIL, Getty, ISIS, Reuters Hezbollah, Revolutionary Guards Locations: Marjeyoun, Lebanon, Israel, East, Iran, Gaza, Kfar Kila, AFP, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Beirut

☆ Israel looks to be gearing up for an invasion to crush Hamas, but another enemy is stirring up trouble
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Israel appears to be gearing up for a ground invasion of Gaza after Hamas staged a brutal attack. In response to the massacre, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fighter jets immediately began a widespread bombing campaign of what it said were Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. AdvertisementAdvertisement"Strengthening our joint force posture, in addition to the material support that we will rapidly provide to Israel, underscores the United States' ironclad support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli people," Austin said on Sunday. Meanwhile, as Israel gathers its ground forces, IDF fighter jets continue to bombard the Gaza Strip for a third consecutive day, striking what the military said are thousands of Hamas targets. —Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 9, 2023It remains to be seen how an invasion might play out, should the IDF carry one out, although it is likely to be a costly campaign in brutal environment with intense urban combat.

Persons: Israel, —, Benjamin Netanyahu, Joe Biden, Axios, Yoav Gallant, US State Department —, Gen Lázaro, Hamas —, Lloyd Austin, Gerald R, Austin Organizations: Hamas, Service, Israel Defense Forces, Sunday, US State Department, United Nations Interim Force, IDF, UNIFIL, & Force, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Pentagon, US, Ford Carrier Strike, Gaza's Ministry of Health Locations: Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, Israeli, Iran, Washington, Israel's, States

☆ Live updates: Israel says it is 'at war' after Hamas surprise attack
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Tara Subramaniam | Andrew Raine | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon said their peacekeepers remain in position even after an exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel earlier Sunday. “Early this morning, UNIFIL peacekeepers detected several rockets fired from southeast Lebanon toward Israeli-occupied territory in the general area of Kafr Chouba, and artillery fire from Israel to Lebanon in response," United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on X, formerly Twitter. Our peacekeepers remain in their positions and on task. UNIFIL said they're available to help de-escalate the situation. “We urge everyone to exercise restraint and make use of UNIFIL’s liaison and coordination mechanisms to de-escalate to prevent a fast deterioration of the security situation”, it added.

Organizations: United Nations, United Nations Interim Force, UNIFIL Locations: Lebanon, Israel, Kafr Chouba

☆ U.N. Peacekeepers Urge Restraint on Lebanese Border
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

A United Nations peacekeeping force said it detected rockets fired from southeast Lebanon toward Israeli-occupied territory and artillery fire from Israel in response. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as Unifil, said it was in contact with authorities on both sides to urge restraint and avoid an escalation in violence.

Organizations: United Nations, United Nations Interim Force Locations: Lebanon, Israel

☆ France, US compromise to renew UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Michelle Nichols | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) - established in 1978 - patrols Lebanon's southern border with Israel. A planned Wednesday vote was delayed as France, the United States and the United Arab Emirates argued over language on U.N. freedom of movement. France kept language in the resolution that spells out that peacekeepers should coordinate with the Lebanese government. That has sparked friction with Hezbollah, which effectively controls southern Lebanon despite the presence of the Lebanese army. In December, an Irish peacekeeper was killed when his UNIFIL vehicle came under fire in southern Lebanon.

Persons: Aziz Taher, Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Najib Mikati, Andrea Tenenti, Michelle Nichols, Laila Bassam, Gebeily, Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Lebanese, UN, REUTERS, UNITED NATIONS, United Nations Security, Interim Force, United, U.S, UNIFIL, United Nations, Irish, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Israel, Lebanon, France, United States, Russia, China, Emirates, UAE, Iran, Lebanese

☆ UN vote on Lebanon peacekeeping force delayed as France, US, UAE argue
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Michelle Nichols | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) - established in 1978 - patrols Lebanon's southern border with Israel. France has drafted a U.N. Security Council resolution to extend the peacekeeping mission for another year, but the United States and the United Arab Emirates argue it has weakened some language on the ability of U.N. troops to move freely. Lebanon's caretaker foreign affairs minister Abdallah Bou Habib has said that the new Security Council resolution should stipulate that UNIFIL coordinate with the Lebanese army. That has sparked friction with Hezbollah, which effectively controls southern Lebanon despite the presence of the Lebanese army. In December, an Irish peacekeeper was killed when his UNIFIL vehicle came under fire in southern Lebanon.

Persons: Aziz Taher, Antonio Guterres, Guterres, Linda Thomas, Greenfield, Gilad Erdan, Abdallah Bou Habib, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Michelle Nichols, Dan Williams, Laila Bassam, Gebeily, David Holmes Organizations: Lebanese, UN, REUTERS, UNITED NATIONS, Nations, United, Interim Force, Security, Security Council, Reuters, Israel's Army Radio, Irish, UNIFIL, Thomson Locations: Israel, Lebanon, France, United States, Emirates, Iran, UAE, Lebanese

[1/9] United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) members stand near their vehicles in Naqoura near the Lebanese-Israeli border, southern Lebanon, August 16, 2023. Israel and Hezbollah have avoided war across the Lebanese-Israeli frontier since their last major clash 17 years ago, deterred by mutual threats of destruction. The tensions come against the backdrop of a political crisis in Israel that has emboldened its enemies. Lebanon can ill afford conflict four years into a financial meltdown that has paralysed the state. Hezbollah last year gave its blessing to a maritime border deal with Israel that allows Lebanon to explore for offshore energy.

Persons: Aziz Taher, Israel, Tzachi Hanegbi, Hassan al, Baghdadi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mohanad Hage Ali, General Lázaro, Andrea Tenenti, Tom Perry, Nick Macfie Organizations: United Nations Interim Force, REUTERS, Reuters, National Security, Iran's, Guards, Carnegie Middle East Center, West Bank, UNIFIL, Thomson Locations: Lebanon, Naqoura, Lebanese, Israel, JERUSALEM, BEIRUT, Iran, Syria, Ghajar, Western, Tel Aviv, Palestinian, Gaza, Jerusalem, Al, Aqsa, Beirut

☆ Lebanese forces rescue about 200 migrants after boat sinks
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CAIRO, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Lebanese naval forces carried out rescue operations on Saturday after the sinking of a boat transporting about 200 would-be migrants, the army said on Twitter. Separately, State TV tweeted that initial information was that the boat had been carrying people from Lebanon, Syria and Palestinian territories. The army said the boat had carried people who had tried to illegally cross Lebanese territorial waters, adding that three naval vessels escorted by a UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) vessel arrived at the site of the sinking, off the coast of Selaata, north of Beirut, and proceeded to rescue about 200 people. In September, 34 bodies of migrants were found off the coast of the northern Syrian port city of Tartus, suspected of having left north Lebanon heading towards Europe. Reporting by Nayera Abdallah; Editing by David HolmesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Irish soldier killed on U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DUBLIN, Dec 15 (Reuters) - An Irish soldier was killed on a U.N. peackeeping mission in Lebanon late on Wednesday when a convoy of two armoured utility vehicles travelling to Beirut came under small arms fire, Ireland's defence forces said in a statement. Another Irish member of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is in a serious condition having undergone surgery following the incident, the statement said. "It is with deep regret that Óglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish defence forces) can confirm the death of one of our peacekeepers in a serious incident in Lebanon last night," the defence forces said, adding that a full investigation will commence. Irish Defence Minister Simon Coveney, who is in New York for a U.N. Security Council meeting, said he will meet U.N. Secretary General António Guterres later on Thursday to discuss the incident. "As a people, we take great pride in our unbroken record of peacekeeping with the United Nations.

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