UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has announced that two peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower located at the force’s headquarters in the border town of Naqoura, Anadolu reported.
The impact of the strike caused the peacekeepers to fall. UNIFIL said that any attack on peacekeepers is a “grave violation of international humanitarian law.”
The peacekeeping force, which was established in 1978 and consists of around 10,000 personnel from 50 different countries, stated that Israeli forces had “deliberately” targeted its positions along the border.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Undersecretary General for Peace Operations, informed the UN Security Council that the safety and security of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon were increasingly at risk. He explained that since September 23, when Israel launched a series of strikes in Lebanon, the peacekeepers’ activities had largely been halted. Peacekeepers had been confined to their bases, often spending long periods in shelters.
Lacroix said that while UNIFIL was ready to support efforts toward a diplomatic solution, it is up to the involved parties to implement the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution mandates UNIFIL to assist the Lebanese army in maintaining the southern border area free of unauthorised weapons or armed personnel, except for the Lebanese state forces.
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti described the attack as a “very serious” incident. He explained that while Israel had previously requested the peacekeepers to vacate certain positions near the border, UNIFIL chose to remain because it was crucial for the UN flag to be visible in southern Lebanon. Tenenti added that if the situation became too dangerous for the mission to continue operating, it would be up to the Security Council to determine the next steps. For now, he said, UNIFIL is staying in the area, monitoring the situation, and providing assistance where possible.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi confirmed that two Indonesian peacekeepers had been injured in the attack and were receiving medical care. She condemned the assault, stating that attacking UN personnel and property is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Indonesia, a strong supporter of Palestine and critic of Israel, has deployed around 1,232 personnel with UNIFIL in Lebanon.
Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, called the attack on UNIFIL bases “totally unacceptable,” stating that it was not a mistake or accident. Crosetto warned that the attack could constitute a war crime and represented a grave violation of international military law. He added that he had summoned the Israeli ambassador to demand an explanation for the incident.
