Finance
Dozens of States Condemn Attacks on U.N. Peacekeepers in Lebanon
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 9, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 9, 2026
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A joint statement by 63 countries plus the EU at the UN condemned aggressive attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon following the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers, stressed accountability, and urged enhanced protection amid worsening civilian humanitarian conditions.
Dozens of States Condemn Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon, Urge Protection
International Response to Attacks on UN Peacekeepers
Joint Statement and Condemnation
April 9 (Reuters) - Dozens of states issued a joint statement at the United Nations on Thursday condemning "unacceptable aggressive behavior" toward U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon and calling for increased protections after the deaths there of three Indonesian soldiers.
Humanitarian Concerns in Lebanon
Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
The 63 countries and the European Union also expressed "deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, especially the significant civilian casualties, the extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the mass displacement of more than one million people."
Details of the Statement
Accountability for Attacks
The statement was read by Indonesia's U.N. ambassador Umar Hadi, accompanied by dozens of envoys from countries that endorsed it. It noted that attacks on peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law and those responsible must be held accountable.
Support for UNIFIL and Calls for Protection
While reaffirming their full support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the countries urged the U.N. and its Security Council "to strengthen the protection of U.N. peacekeepers in an increasingly dangerous environment."
Commitment to Lebanon's Sovereignty
The statement called on all parties to return to negotiations and reiterated "strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Lebanon."
Further Developments
Potential for More Endorsements
Hadi said there were indications that more countries would sign the statement. Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. were not among those he read out.
Recent Strikes and UN Investigations
Condemnation of Israeli Strikes
On Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned massive strikes by Israel across Lebanon that day that the U.N. said had resulted in hundreds of civilians being killed and injured.
Probe into Peacekeeper Deaths
The U.N. said on Tuesday that preliminary findings from its probe into the deaths of the three Indonesian peacekeepers in separate incidents on March 29 and 30 showed that one was killed by an Israeli tank projectile and two by an improvised explosive device most likely placed by Hezbollah.
(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by David Gregorio)
Key Takeaways
- •63 countries and the EU condemned hostile actions against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, citing that such attacks could amount to war crimes and calling for accountability and stronger protection UPON UNISFIL Māndate.
- •They expressed deep concern about Lebanon’s dire humanitarian situation — over one million displaced, widespread civilian casualties, and infrastructure devastation.
- •The signatories reaffirmed support for UNIFIL, urged return to negotiations, and emphasized respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while noting Israel, Lebanon, and the U.S. had not yet signed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dozens of states condemn attacks on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon
1Why did dozens of states issue a statement at the UN about Lebanon?
They condemned aggressive behavior toward UN peacekeepers in Lebanon after attacks resulted in the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers.
2What are the main concerns expressed by the joint statement?
The statement raised deep concern over Lebanon's humanitarian situation, civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction, and mass displacement.
3Could attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon be considered war crimes?
Yes, the joint statement noted such attacks could constitute war crimes under international law.
4What did the countries urge the UN and Security Council to do?
They urged strengthening the protection of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon's dangerous environment.
5Who were identified as responsible for the deaths of the Indonesian peacekeepers?
Preliminary UN findings indicated one was killed by an Israeli tank projectile and two by an IED likely placed by Hezbollah.
