‘Another’ Israeli attack on the position of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon
According to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIT), early Wednesday morning (local time), peacekeepers positioned near Kafer Kela observed IDF Merkava tanks firing at their watchtower.
Two cameras were destroyed and the tower was damaged.
“However, once again we see direct and clearly targeted fire on the UNIFIL position,” the Delegation said in one declare.
“We remind the IDF and all participants of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and assets, and to always respect the inviolability of facilities of the United Nations,” it emphasized.
Some security incidents
Wednesday’s developments come against the backdrop of a number of worrying incidents in recent days, in which a total of five peacekeepers have been injured.
Additionally, on Sunday, 15 peacekeepers suffer due to the “smoke effect”, after the IDF fired multiple rounds about 100 meters from their position, which were intentionally violate about two hours earlier the same day.
Several UN positions were damaged, and cameras and lights were destroyed.
Top United Nations officials, including the Secretary-General, expressed concern about the situation, repeat that the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property “shall be guaranteed” and that the inviolability of United Nations premises “shall be respected at all times without jurisdiction.”
He also warning that attacks against peacekeepers are contrary to international law and may constitute war crimes.
duties of the Security Council
Established by the United Nations Security CouncilUNIFIL was tasked with overseeing the cessation of hostilities following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring power in the region.
Despite the difficult situation and threats to the safety and security of its personnel, UNIFIL remains committed to its mandate, said the Mission Spokesperson.
In an exclusive interview with UN News On Wednesday before reports of the latest tank fire, Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said that peacekeepers continued to monitor the situation and report to the Security Council, and were making every effort to efforts so that humanitarian aid can reach tens of thousands of affected families in the area. .
Click below to listen to the interview:
The ‘robust exchange’ continued
Meanwhile, intense firefights along and beyond the “Green Line” separating Israel and Lebanon continued over the past 24 hours.
UNIFIL recorded 58 aviation violations – the highest number in a 24-hour period since October 8 last year, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, citing reports from the Mission.
It also detected 1,279 projectiles crossing the Green Line – 1,208 of which originated south of the Blue Line heading north and 71 from the north.
Mr. Dujarric added that UNIFIL also reported that fire and indirect fire from near UN positions caused physical damage to UN equipment and facilities near Dayr Amis in the Area West and Shab’a in the Eastern Sector of the peacekeeping operations area.
“Fortunately, no peacekeepers were injured in these incidents. But they continue to put our peacekeepers… in grave danger,” he said, reiterating that the safety and security of United Nations personnel and assets must be respected. guaranteed by all parties involved.
