Why in the News?

India has expressed concerns about the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon, after they came under fire from Israeli forces.
- Among the peacekeepers are 600 Indian soldiers, who are part of the UN peacekeeping mission and are stationed along the 120-km Blue Line on the Israel-Lebanon border.

What is UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)?

	Details
Established	March 1978, following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon
UN Resolutions	Established under UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426
Primary Objectives	Confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon Restore international peace and security Assist the Government of Lebanon in regaining control over southern Lebanon
Area of Operation	Southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Blue Line)
Personnel	Over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries (both civilian and military personnel)
Mission	Prevent hostilities and maintain peace along the 121-km Blue Line Ensure that no weapons or fighters are present in the region Report violations to the UN Security Council
Rules of Engagement	Peacekeepers are armed but are only allowed to use force when their safety or civilian safety is at risk
Headquarters	Naqoura, southern Lebanon
Peacekeeper Status	Not soldiers but impartial peacekeepers, present with the consent of the host country, Lebanon

Conflict Prevention: UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line and prevents escalations between Israel and Lebanon.
Civilian Protection: It safeguards civilians and supports humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones.
Support for Lebanon: UNIFIL helps the Lebanese government extend control in the south alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces.

[2015] Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.