Casques bleus : pour la paix et dans la guerre | L'Essentiel du Dessous des Cartes | ARTE

Summary

This video explores the role of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) amid escalating tensions in the region. Deployed since 1978, UNIFIL aims to maintain peace along the Israeli-Lebanese border but faces challenges as hostilities flare up with Hezbollah and Israel. The video discusses the evolving mandate of UNIFIL, highlights the history of peacekeeping missions, and provides insights into the contributions of various nations, especially Indonesia, in maintaining stability in Lebanon and beyond. The complexities of international law and the operational realities for peacekeepers are also addressed.

Takeaways

• 🚨 The UNIFIL, deployed since 1978 along the Israel-Lebanon border, consists of over 10,000 peacekeeping soldiers.
• ⚔️ The Israel-Lebanon border is currently experiencing renewed conflict due to the Hamas attack and Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza.
• 🔵 Israel has requested UN soldiers to withdraw from dangerous areas to avoid being used as human shields by Hezbollah.
• 🛑 The UN refuses Israel's request, insisting on maintaining its presence and principles in the region.
• 💔 Recent operations have resulted in injuries to UN soldiers, including two Indonesian peacekeepers.
• 📍 UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, South Lebanon, has evolved from confirming Israeli troop withdrawal to enforcing UN Resolution 1701.
• 📝 Resolution 1701 mandates the absence of armed personnel except for the Lebanese government and UN forces, which Hezbollah has violated.
• 🌍 UN peacekeeping forces, known as 'Blue Helmets,' were established in 1956 to maintain or establish peace, with varying degrees of success across different missions.
• 🇱🇰 Countries from the Global South, including Nepal, Rwanda, and Bangladesh, contribute the largest contingents of peacekeepers.
• 🔢 Indonesia has the highest representation in UNIFIL with 1,234 soldiers, followed by India and Ghana among others.

Q & A

What is the primary mission of the UNIFIL troops in Lebanon?

The primary mission of the UNIFIL troops, also known as the UN peacekeepers, is to maintain peace along the border between Lebanon and Israel and to help restore authority to the Lebanese government.

Why has the Israeli-Lebanese border recently been a focus of conflict?

The Israeli-Lebanese border has been a focus of conflict due to the recent escalation of violence following a Hamas terrorist attack, Israel's military response in Gaza, and the involvement of Hezbollah.

What stance does Israel take regarding UN troops in the conflict zone?

Israel has requested that UN troops withdraw from dangerous areas to avoid being used as human shields by Hezbollah, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu.

How has the UN responded to Israel's request for troop withdrawal?

The UN has refused to withdraw its troops, emphasizing that the UN flag must continue to fly in the region.

What has been the impact of recent military operations on UN peacekeepers?

Recent military operations have resulted in injuries to UN peacekeepers, including two Indonesian soldiers, highlighting the risks faced by these forces.

What historical role have UN peacekeepers played since their creation?

Since their creation in 1956, UN peacekeepers have been tasked with maintaining and consolidating peace, although some missions have faced challenges and failures.

Can you provide examples of both successful and unsuccessful UN peacekeeping operations?

Successful operations include those in Namibia, Cambodia, El Salvador, and East Timor, while failures have been seen in Somalia, Rwanda, and Bosnia.

What is the significance of Resolution 1701 in the context of UNIFIL's mission?

Resolution 1701 mandates that UNIFIL ensure no armed personnel, other than those of the Lebanese government and UN, are present in the area between the Israeli border and the Litani River, which Hezbollah has not adhered to.

Which countries provide the largest contingents of UN peacekeepers?

Countries from the Global South, such as Nepal, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and India, provide the largest contingents of UN peacekeepers.

How many UN peacekeepers are currently deployed in various missions worldwide?

Currently, there are about 70,000 UN peacekeepers deployed in various missions, including in South Sudan, Cyprus, and Western Sahara.