The Philippines has joined more than 65 nations in condemning what they described as “unacceptable aggressive behavior” against United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon, following the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers amid ongoing clashes between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.
In a joint statement released Thursday (Friday in Manila), the signatories denounced repeated attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), warning that such acts may violate international law.
“Peacekeepers must never be the target of attack and that attacks on them are prohibited while they enjoy protection under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and may constitute a war crime,” the statement read.
The fatalities occurred in separate incidents on March 29 and 30. One Indonesian peacekeeper was reportedly killed by an Israeli tank projectile, while two others died in an improvised explosive device attack attributed to Hezbollah.
Several other personnel from France, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal, and Poland were also wounded in the incidents.
“The safety and security of UN peacekeepers is non-negotiable,” the statement added, urging the United Nations and its Security Council to fully utilize available mechanisms to enhance the protection of personnel deployed in conflict zones.
The signatories likewise raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon, citing mounting civilian casualties, widespread infrastructure damage, and the displacement of more than one million people. They called for an immediate halt to hostilities, de-escalation of tensions, and the resumption of diplomatic efforts.
“We reiterate our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Lebanon,” the statement further said.
The Philippines remains an active contributor to global peacekeeping missions, deploying military, police, and corrections personnel to various operations worldwide, including in Haiti, Liberia, South Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Abyei, the India-Pakistan border region, and Afghanistan.