India: Concerned over deteriorating situation in W Asia, monitoring closely

The 120-km Blue Line is a UN-recognised demarcation line to indicate that Israel had withdrawn its military from southern Lebanon. It separates Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights, but it is not an official international border. “Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate,” the MEA said in its statement.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, said in a statement on October 10 that “recent escalation along the Blue Line is causing widespread destruction of towns and villages in south Lebanon”.

“In the past days, we have seen incursions from Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura and other areas. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers have clashed with Hizbullah elements on the ground in Lebanon,” it said in the statement.

Currently, UNIFIL comprises around 10,500 peacekeepers from 50 contributing countries, including India. Last week, the Indian contingent serving in UNIFIL had said it would continue its operations despite Israel’s decision to enter the region amid escalating tensions.

Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said in a post on X: “Lebanese Hizbollah is firing at Israel in proximity to UNIFIL outposts, criminally using them as a shield. Israel will continue to take measures to safeguard UN forces and coordinate with all responsible stakeholders necessary steps to keep their safety.”