Brussels: Several European leaders have condemned the killing of an Indonesian peacekeeper with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) following an explosion late Sunday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the incident as 'a new red line' crossed in Lebanon, urging the Israeli government to halt hostilities and demanding clarification on the origin of the projectile.
Sanchez stated that attacks on UN peacekeeping missions are 'an unjustifiable aggression against the entire international community.' Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin echoed these sentiments, condemning the killing and the recent escalation of violence that has injured other peacekeepers. Martin emphasized the need to respect and honor the role of peacekeepers, urging Israel and Hezbollah to ensure their safety.
Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee also condemned the attack, noting the loss of lives in the pursuit of peace and calling for an end to the violence. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed strong condemnation and solidarity with Indonesia, highlighting that attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international law and may constitute war crimes, stressing the need for accountability and de-escalation in Lebanon.
Earlier reports from UNIFIL confirmed that a peacekeeper was killed when a projectile exploded at a UNIFIL position near the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr, with another peacekeeper critically injured. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions, as Israel continues airstrikes and a ground offensive in Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah earlier in March.
The region remains on high alert after the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran in late February, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has executed drone and missile strikes across Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, contributing to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.