Israeli PM, Netanyahu, orders UN peacekeepers out of South Lebanon
Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has informed the United Nations (UN) to yake its peacekeepers out of Southern Lebanon immediately.
Netanyahu directed his warning to UN Chief, Antonio Guterres, in a video statement released by his office.
“Mr Secretary General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately,” Netanyahu warned.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), on Saturday, revealed that a fifth peacekeeper was injured in Southern Lebanon during the week.
Lebanese health ministry also reported that three Israeli attacks on Deir Bella, Al Maaysra and Barja on Saturday left15 people dead.
The escalation of the crisis in the region has seen Pope Francis intervene in the matter, calling for UN peacekeepers to be respected.
“I am close to all the people involved, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, where I ask that the UN peacekeepers be respected,” the Pope said at the Vatican, according to AFP.
“I once again call for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts that the paths of diplomacy and dialogue be pursued to achieve peace,” the Pope said.
