SHAH ALAM: The Palestine-Israel conflict will pose a challenge to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) Malaysian Battalion 850-11 (Malbatt 850-11) that will be assigned to Lebanon.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this in his speech during the send-off ceremony for the first batch of Unifil Malbatt 850-11 at Subang Air Base, here, today.
"This time, the assignment is seen as more challenging due to the Israel-Gaza conflict which has intensified since Oct 7.
"It has increased tension and claimed thousands of lives where it had led to the destruction of property from rocket, artillery and mortar attacks.
"I am afraid that if this conflict prolongs, it will affect the security situation in Lebanon and will also make it difficult for Unifil and the incoming Malbatt 850-11 and the outgoing Malbatt 850-10 contingents."
Mohamad however in a press conference later assured the safety of Malaysian peacekeepers as he said the area where the Malaysian camps are situated is not directly affected.
"Despite hearing and seeing the explosions from the rockets that were fired and intercepted where it had led to them going to the bunkers to seek safety, our forces are not affected by the conflict.
"The peackeepers' camps of Tibnin and Ma'rakah which are situated 10 kilometres from each other are situated in the 'blue line' which is defined by the Golan Heights, far from the conflicts," he said.
He added that Malbatt forces will also be protected by Unifil peacekeepers, where escorts will accompany them on their journey to and from Beirut Airport.
The first batch of Malbatt 850-11 that were sent off today are under the command of Colonel Burhan Sagoni comprises of 218 members which includes 49 officers and 169 personnel of different ranks.
The remaining 636 peacekeepers will be deployed in stages between Nov 7 to Nov 16, while the first group of the outgoing Malbatt 850-10 will be expected to arrive in the country on Nov 3.
Mohamad also said that the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) involvement in missions under the United Nations' flag is the international community's continued recognition and confidence in the credibility, authority and professionalism of the MAF.
"Therefore it is the responsibility of the Malbatt members to maintain the high quality of discipline to ensure that such recognition continues to be maintained.
"MAF's involvement at the international level also proves that Malaysia is committed in implementing the responsibility of peace keeping tasks and providing humanitarian assistance to ensure the aspirations of universal peace can be realised."
Also present at the ceremony today were the Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Brunei Acting High Commissioner Mohd Aizul Hakim Suyoi and Defence Ministry Chief Secretary Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.