14 Oct 2024

Growing tensions about NZ's response within the UN

From Midday Report, 12:11 pm on 14 October 2024

A Military expert says while tensions are rising in the Middle East, there are also growing tensions about New Zealand's response within the UN. The peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, says over the weekend Israeli tanks broke through the main gate of the base and fired smoke grenades, resulting in UN needing medical attention. However Israel says one of its tanks reversed into the base as it was trying to evacuate wounded soldiers. Anna Powles is an Associate Professor at Massey University's Centre for Defence and Security Studies, and an author of a book on UN peacekeeping. Since speaking to her, RNZ has confirmed that while some New Zealand Defence Force are stationed in south Lebanon, no personnel are part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.