India on Friday expressed concern over the escalating security situation along the Blue Line, after Israeli forces fired at a watchtower used by UN peacekeeper in southern Lebanon.
The strike at the UN peacekeeper base injured two people.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement pointed out the need for respecting the inviolability of UN premises.
"We are concerned at the deteriorating security situation along the Blue Line. We continue to monitor the situation closely," the MEA said.
“Inviolability of UN premises must be respected by all, and appropriate measures are taken to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and the sanctity of their mandate," it added.
Meanwhile, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said a strike in the heart of Beirut late on Thursday had killed 22 civilians and wounded another 139. Mikati renewed his call for a ceasefire.
Lebanon's foreign ministry condemned the Israel 'targeting' of UNIFIL's main base in Ras Naqura, along with the Sri Lankan battalion's base.
UNIFIL has been operating in the region since 1978 and is yet to officially comment on Thursday's incident. UNIFIL also focuses on facilitating humanitarian access and aid to South Lebanon.
The Human Rights Watch had called for a UN inquiry into the incident after, reportedly, three separate attacks on UNIFIL personnel in south Lebanon.
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"With over 2,000 people killed and over one million people displaced in Lebanon since mid-September, it is crucial for UNIFIL to be allowed to fulfil its civilian protection and humanitarian functions," Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, Lama Fakih said.
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict began a year ago after Hamas' October 7 attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly, had urged the Lebanese people to rise up against Hezbollah or risk a similar fate as Gaza.
Also, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel's military chief, held a security assessment inside southern Lebanon on Thursday. "We continue to operate against the enemy and will not stop until we ensure that we can safely return the residents, not just now, but with a future outlook," he said.
