Source: IE
Context: India expressed concern over the worsening security situation in West Asia following the injury of two United Nations peacekeeping personnel by an Israeli tank attack along the Lebanon-Israel border.
About UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)
- Establishment: Created by the UN Security Council in March 1978 through resolutions 425 and 426 following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.
- Mandate:
- Confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
- Restore international peace and security in the region.
- Assist the Government of Lebanon in re-establishing its authority in the area.
- Expanded in 2006 to prevent hostile activities and monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
- Personnel: Comprises over 10,500 peacekeepers from 48 countries, performing approximately 14,500 operations monthly, including joint activities with the Lebanese Armed Forces.
- Operations: Primarily observational, with peacekeepers allowed to use force only in self-defense or to protect civilians.
- Maritime task force: Includes a five-vessel unit to support coastal security and prevent arms smuggling.
- Funding: Financed through a dedicated budget approved annually by the UN General Assembly as part of the UN Peacekeeping force.
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