The United Nations announced on Tuesday that Argentina has withdrawn from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peace Operations, confirmed the decision during a press conference at UN headquarters in New York, noting that Argentina had pulled its personnel from UNIFIL, which has faced recent attacks in Lebanon.
Lacroix stated that four Argentinian officers from UNIFIL’s observer group had been withdrawn, emphasizing: “It is the prerogative of any member state to make such a decision.”
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti also addressed the withdrawal during a UN press briefing, saying: “Argentina has requested its officers to return.” He clarified that there are three Argentinian officers within UNIFIL and that their departure does not affect the mission’s operational capabilities.
Tenenti added, “All other contributing countries have reaffirmed their commitment to UNIFIL, and no additional withdrawal requests have been received.”
The reason behind Argentina’s withdrawal was not disclosed in its formal request.
UNIFIL has reported three separate incidents involving attacks by Israel on its soldiers, personnel, and facilities in southern Lebanon. One of these incidents injured four peacekeeping soldiers.
Israel has been engaged in cross-border hostilities with Lebanon, including an air campaign targeting what it alleges are Hezbollah positions since late September.
Lebanese health officials have reported that Israeli airstrikes and military actions have resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 individuals, with nearly 15,000 others injured, and over one million displaced since October. The situation intensified on October 1 when Israel initiated a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, further escalating the conflict.
