On October 14, 2024, European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reiterated the EU's demand for a ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict during a Council meeting. This call was supported by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The EU condemned the Israeli Defense Forces' attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which resulted in injuries to several peacekeepers.
Borrell emphasized that such attacks on UN missions are serious violations of international law and called for urgent explanations and a thorough investigation by Israeli authorities. The EU expressed deep concern over ongoing rocket attacks by Hezbollah into Israeli territory and Israeli airstrikes on densely populated areas in Lebanon, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks on UN peacekeepers, labeling them as potential war crimes. He reiterated that UN personnel and facilities should never be targeted.
In a separate development, the Israeli Knesset is considering legislation that could classify the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization, which would severely hinder its operations in Israel and the West Bank.
In the UK, police reported a stabbing incident in Birmingham on October 14, where a 21-year-old man was injured. He later sought medical treatment at a hospital, where he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the disorder that led to the stabbing.
Additionally, the UNIFIL peacekeeping force reported further Israeli violations of its positions, including the unauthorized entry of Israeli tanks into its premises.