Nepal on Tuesday “strongly condemned” the recent attacks by Israel on the UNIFIL peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon and urged all parties of the conflict to guarantee their safety and security.

As of September 2, 2024, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, consists of 10,058 peacekeepers from 50 troop-contributing countries. Nepal contributes 876 troops to the UNIFIL.

“Nepal strongly condemns recent attacks on the UNIFIL peacekeepers & urges parties of the conflict to guarantee their safety & security. Such actions must stop immediately & should be adequately investigated,” the foreign ministry posted on X.

It also posted on X a joint statement by the UNIFIL-contributing countries that “strongly condemned” the recent attacks on the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.

The joint statement on Saturday came after at least five UNIFIL peacekeepers were wounded in recent days as Israeli troops launched attacks in southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah.

Nepal is among the 40 countries that deplored the Israeli military action against the UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Army has confirmed that all its personnel deployed in Lebanon are safe.

“Nepal Army is in regular contact with its security forces in Lebanon, and all members are unharmed,” said NA spokesperson Gaurav KC.

Drone attacks

Israel’s government has turned to industry to bolster the military’s ability to intercept aerial drones launched by Iran or the Hezbollah militia.

The defence ministry said on Tuesday it had launched a competition among eight large and small companies.

“After analysing the trial results, the defence ministry will select several technologies to enter an accelerated development and production process.

“This aims to deploy new operational capabilities within months,” it said.