WASHINGTON – A coalition of ten nations issued a strong rebuke Tuesday regarding the deaths of United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, as violence continues between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.
The international group, which includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, released a coordinated statement expressing grave concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the region.
“Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom remain deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon,” the nations declared in their Tuesday announcement, while demanding a cessation of fighting.
The diplomatic response follows the tragic deaths of three UN peacekeepers last month. According to initial UN investigation results, the fatalities resulted from an Israeli tank round and an explosive device that investigators believe was most likely deployed by Hezbollah forces.
