UN BLUE LINE CROSSED

NO HOLDS BARRED | Israeli attack on UN positions in Lebanon invites measured response from New Delhi, even though it has 600 peacekeepers stationed in the 120-km demarcated border

The headquarters of UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon were hit by explosions for the second time in 48 hours - a day after Israeli forces struck the same position.

The UN deployment is along the 'Blue Line' that separates Lebanon and Israel; two peacekeepers were reportedly wounded in the attack, which drew widespread condemnation from nations contributing to the UN mandated mission.

Notably, 600 Indian soldiers are part of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, and are stationed along the 120km Blue Line on the Israel-Lebanon border. The strongest condemnations came from Italy and Indonesia whereas India put forward a much milder formulation.