Austrian Citizens Injured in Israeli Rocket Attack on ⁢UN Peacekeeping Force

Eight Austrian citizens serving in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force in ‍Lebanon were injured in a rocket attack⁤ by Israel, ⁣according to Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

Schallenberg expressed outrage over the attack on⁣ the⁤ United ⁣Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), emphasizing the importance of guaranteeing the safety ​of UN peacekeepers.

“The safety of the blue helmets must always be guaranteed.⁤ Attacks ⁢on UN peacekeepers are a serious violation of international law and completely ‌unacceptable,” he ‌stated.

UNIFIL⁢ operates ​in southern Lebanon, between the Litani River and the Blue Line, which serves as the‍ border with Israel. The force ⁢is mandated under UN Security Council⁤ Resolution 1701 to maintain ‍security in the region.

Israel launched a major air‌ campaign in Lebanon last month, targeting what it‌ claims are Hezbollah targets. This escalation follows a year-long cross-border war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah⁤ group, which began after‌ Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip.

Israel expanded the ​conflict this⁤ year ⁢by​ launching raids into southern Lebanon on October 1.