In a joint statement signed in New York, the United States, a broad group of troop-contributing countries to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including China, Russia and the European Union, expressed “deep concern” over the escalating tensions in Lebanon and a wave of attacks targeting the blue helmets from around the world.

The coalition stressed that peacekeepers “must never be the target of attack” and warned that such assaults could “constitute a war crime”.

“The safety and security of UN peacekeepers is nonnegotiable, and we urge the UN and Security Council to exert all tools available at its disposal to strengthen the protection of UN peacekeepers in an increasingly dangerous environment,” the statement said. 

It also called for prompt, transparent and comprehensive investigations into all attacks on peacekeepers, adding that those responsible must be held to account.

Read also: Indonesia demands thorough probe of peacekeeper deaths

Pressure on Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon has intensified amid rising cross-border hostilities with Hezbollah, as strikes and retaliatory attacks continue despite a recent ceasefire agreement.

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