Austria credits Hezbollah for attack that injured blue helmets – DW – 10/30/2024

The Austrian government blamed the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah for the rocket attack this Tuesday (10/29/2024) in which eight soldiers of that country participating in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon were slightly injured. ,

Regarding the attack on UNIFIL headquarters in Nakura, Federal Chancellor (Prime Minister) Karl Nehmer said, “We strongly condemn today’s serious incident, which was probably caused by Hezbollah or affiliated groups, and demand a prompt investigation. “

Nehmer confirmed that the work of UN troops is decisive in maintaining stability in crisis areas and confirmed that Austria, a country that is not a NATO member, actively participates in these peacekeeping missions.

“The safety of the blue helmets must be guaranteed at all times,” he demanded.

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also condemned Hezbollah’s actions and called for an immediate end to rocket attacks against Israel by that group.

attacks on lebanon

Israeli strikes on various Lebanese cities on Monday killed at least 82 and wounded 180, Lebanon’s public health ministry said on Tuesday, bringing the death toll since the start of the armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to 2,792. It’s done.

According to a statement from the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Schallenberg called his Lebanese counterpart, Bou Habib, regarding the attack that wounded an Austrian UNIFIL soldier.

The Austrian Foreign Ministry condemned in that note, “The fact that UNIFIL soldiers have once again been the victims of attacks is absolutely unacceptable and a violation of international law.”

UNIFIL also blamed “Hezbollah or some related group” for the attack on its headquarters in Naqurah.

The Austrian government refused the withdrawal of Austrian troops from the UNIFIL contingent.

MG (EFE, Jerusalem Post)