Islamabad condemns attack on UN peacekeepers in Beirut, calls it violation of international law

KASHIF IMRAN
Lebanese army soldiers protect a convoy of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as Hezbollah supporters try to block the road that links to Beirut's international airport during a protest against Lebanon's decision to revoke permission for an Iranian carrier after Israel accused Iran of smuggling cash to Hezbollah, in Beirut, Lebanon, on Feb. 15, 2025. (AP)
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  • Lebanon has faced unrest this week after a government decision to block Iranian flights from landing in Beirut
  • The UN convoy was attacked during protests by supporters of Hezbollah, which urged government to reverse move

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday condemned an attack on a United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy in Beirut, calling it a “flagrant” violation of international law.
Lebanon has faced unrest this week after a government decision to block Iranian flights from landing in Beirut, with the UN peacekeeper convoy attacked during protests by supporters of Hezbollah, which on Sunday urged the government to reverse the move.
Pakistan has been one of the main troops and police contributors to the UN peace operations since 1960, with more than 200,000 Pakistani men and women sent to 46 UN missions. As of 2024, the South Asian country was contributing over 4,000 troops to various international operations carried out by the UN and has lost 172 soldiers in total to UN peace missions.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the attack on a UNIFIL convoy in Beirut that injured several peacekeepers. Such attacks on blue helmets are flagrant violations of international law for which there must be accountability,” the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with UNIFIL and affirms its unwavering support for UN peacekeeping operations.”
The development came amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah group, which has been in effect since Nov. 27 after more than a year of hostilities including two months of all-out war.
Under the ceasefire deal, Lebanon’s military was to deploy in the south alongside United Nations peacekeepers as the Israeli army withdrew over a 60-day period.
Hezbollah was also to pull back north of the Litani River — about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border — and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. The withdrawal period was extended to February 18.
On Sunday, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said Israeli forces opened fire toward the southern border town of Hula “after residents entered,” killing a woman. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the incident.
 

Topics: Beirut Israel UN peacekeepers