Image source, Getty Images
Nepali peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon amid ongoing Middle East conflict have been ordered to maintain heightened security measures and instructed not to leave their camp except for essential duties, according to officials.
A few days ago, there was shelling inside the Nepali Battalion camp in southern Lebanon, with suspicions that the explosives were dropped by Israel.
A United Nations information officer at the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon stated that investigations into this incident are ongoing, and the overall situation remains unstable following recent tensions.
Israel maintains a policy not to attack peacekeepers or their facilities, and approximately two weeks ago had apologized following shelling of a peacekeeper camp in Ghana.
What is the Current Status of Nepali Peacekeepers?
According to information available on the Nepali Army’s website, as of March 11, a total of 554 Nepali soldiers have served in UNIFIL, with 532 currently deployed in the Nepali Battalion based in southern Lebanon.
Last Friday, it was reported that explosive material reportedly dropped by Israel hit the Nepali peacekeepers’ camp at Messe Al Jabal. The United Nations confirmed the attack and is investigating the identities of those involved.
Rathi Rajaram Basnet, assistant spokesperson for the Nepali Army, stated that the situation has normalized since the incident.
He explained, “Our troops were inside bunkers at the time, and no one was injured. Some technical equipment was damaged, but otherwise, there was no other significant harm.”
Image source, UNIFIL PIO
He added that the mission headquarters is issuing orders based on the situation and Nepali peacekeepers are following security protocols accordingly.
“The Nepali Army has also directed all peacekeepers deployed there to remain safe. The Nepalese government, army, and the United Nations have devised various strategic plans regarding this matter. The mission headquarters will make decisions as per the situation, and we will proceed accordingly,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Israeli Defense Forces on Wednesday admitted the injury of peacekeepers from Ghana caused by mistaken shelling on March 6, according to Reuters.
UNIFIL is deployed in the ‘Blue Line’ area along southern Lebanon where clashes between Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army continue. The United Nations reports that over 7,500 peacekeepers from 48 countries are stationed in Lebanon.
At least three Ghanaian peacekeepers were reported injured in the heavy shelling on March 6, according to Ghana’s armed forces.
The Israeli Defense Forces expressed regret over the incident and apologized to the United Nations and Ghana. UNIFIL received a letter from the Israeli Defense Forces on Monday stating that there is no policy to attack peacekeepers.
What Do UNIFIL Officials Say?
Image source, United Nations Peacekeeping
Tilak Pokharel, an information officer at UNIFIL in Lebanon, emphasized that the safety of peacekeepers is the top priority.
He said, “The mission has taken all necessary precautions. Safety remains the foremost concern. The conflicting parties have assured the United Nations that UN personnel will not be targeted.”
Pokharel added that the Israeli Defense Forces continue ground operations near the sensitive area around the ‘Blue Line’ where Nepali forces are stationed. The United Nations has described the situation as worrisome.
He noted, “Peacekeepers have been instructed not to leave the camp except for security and ration supply reasons. However, they are also deployed for rescuing those affected in conflict zones when necessary.”
Following attacks on Ghanaian peacekeepers, a joint statement by 30 countries called to prevent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and to establish peace immediately.
The statement emphasized that perpetrators must be held accountable, and UNIFIL troops and their premises must always be protected under international law.
The United Nations consistently condemns attacks and threats against peacekeepers.
In a statement released Sunday, UNIFIL said, “We remind all parties of their international legal obligations to ensure the safety of UN personnel and to take necessary measures to reduce civilian casualties.”
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that attacks against peacekeepers violate international human rights law and risk constituting war crimes.
Since the recent outbreak of conflict, over one million people have been displaced and more than 900 deaths have been reported in Lebanon since March 2, according to UN figures.
