Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with (a) his international counterparts, (b) the United Nations and (c) Cabinet colleagues on attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular conversations with international partners and Cabinet colleagues, including on the situation in Lebanon.

As expressed in the G7 Defence Ministers joint statement on 17 October 2024, and in the joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of the UK, France, Germany and Italy on 14 October, the UK is concerned by the latest events in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation, as well as by all threats to UNIFIL's security.

The UK has been clear that Israel and all parties must uphold their obligations to always ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and to allow UNIFIL to continue carrying out its mandate. The protection of peacekeepers is incumbent upon all parties to a conflict any deliberate attack against UNIFIL goes against international humanitarian law.

The UK also reaffirms the importance of supporting UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces in their role of ensuring the stability and security of Lebanon.