Israeli army ‘deliberately destroyed’ watchtowers, fences at UN peacekeeping site in southern Lebanon
ONE press statement released by the Mission, officially known as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had “deliberately destroyed” the watchtower and fence around the Marwahin site.
“Once again, we remind the IDF and all parties of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property, while always respecting the inalienable rights United Nations facilities,” UNIT stated.
The delegation also reiterated that breaching a United Nations site and causing damage to its property constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701The unanimously adopted document aims to end the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and chart a path toward security on the border between Israel and Lebanon.
The statement went on to note that the Israeli military has repeatedly asked UNIFIL to vacate its positions along the border. Blue line and has deliberately undermined the views of the United Nations.
Despite pressure on the delegation and troop-contributing countries, UNIFIL emphasized that peacekeepers remained at all their posts, the mission’s statement on Sunday said.
“We will continue to carry out our mandated monitoring and reporting duties,” the statement concluded.
Other security incidents
Sunday’s developments come after a series of worrying incidents in recent days, leaving a total of five peacekeepers injured.
Only four days agoUNIFIL released a statement saying peacekeepers at a position near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower.
Two cameras were destroyed and the tower was damaged.
“Once again, we saw direct and apparently targeted fire on the UNIFIL position,” the mission stated at the time.
In addition, last Sunday, October 13, 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 “must be guaranteed” and that the inviolability of United Nations premises “must be respected at all times without jurisdiction.”
He also warning that attacks against peacekeepers are contrary to international law and may constitute war crimes.
