Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during the 'World in Progress Barcelona' Forum in Barcelona. AFP
Israel's attacks against Lebanon have thrust the UNIFIL force deployed in Lebanon since 1978 into the spotlight.
The force, which involves about 9,500 troops from some 50 nations led by a Spanish general, has in recent days reported multiple Israeli attacks that injured five of its troops and sparked international condemnation.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on UNIFIL to withdraw, claiming it is for their own safety.
Spain condemns Netanyahu's call for the force to pull back and "there will be no withdrawal of UNIFIL", Sanchez told a forum in Barcelona.
Sanchez affirmed his commitment to a 2006 UN Security Council resolution agreed after the last major Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which stipulated that only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers should be deployed in south Lebanon.
That commitment "makes more sense today than ever after seeing what is happening on the ground", Sanchez said.
Israel's committed an "unacceptable" violation of international law and Spain will continue contributing to the force "because we have a firm and clear commitment to peace", Defence Minister Margarita Robles told reporters in Madrid.
* This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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