Pedro Sanchez has issued a stern statement after deadly attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, declaring a ‘red line’ has been crossed.
At least three soldiers from the UN’s peacekeeping mission have been killed in the past 24 hours in southern Lebanon, in incidents now being examined as potential war crimes.
Sanchez condemned the strikes ‘unequivocally’, warning they represent a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.
He said: ‘In the early hours of yesterday, a new red line was crossed in Lebanon.
‘A UN blue helmet was killed in this attack, and three others were injured. Spain strongly condemns these events.
‘It demands the origin of the projectile be clarified. And it calls on the Israeli government to halt the hostilities.
‘Attacks on UN peacekeeping missions are an unjustifiable aggression against the entire international community.
‘We also extend our sincere condolonces to the family of the fallen soldier and to all UNIFIL personnel.’
The troops were part of the UNIFIL mission – operating under Spanish command – and included Indonesian personnel stationed at the Miguel de Cervantes base in Marjayoun.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has demanded a full investigation, warning that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers could constitute war crimes.
The origin of the strikes remains unclear, but they come amid intensifying clashes between Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah.
UNIFIL said the attacks may breach international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions, adding: ‘There is no military solution. The violence must stop.’
Spain has around 650 troops deployed as part of the UN mission, within a multinational force of more than 10,000.
Defence minister Margarita Robles described the situation as ‘very worrying’, confirming multiple incidents in recent hours, including an attack on a convoy.
‘We have enormous concern,’ she said.
Indonesia, whose soldiers were among those killed, has demanded a ‘thorough and transparent’ investigation.
Meanwhile, the UN has warned that recent incidents are putting peacekeepers at increasing risk in a conflict that continues to spiral.
