According to the mission, at around 4:30 am (local time), while the peacekeepers were in bomb shelters, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate and entered the position.
“They have requested multiple times that the base turn off the lights,” UNIFIL said in one statement.
The tanks left about 45 minutes later after the mission protested through its liaison mechanism, saying the IDF presence endangered peacekeepers.
At around 6:40 a.m., peacekeepers at the same position reported the firing of several rounds 100 meters (about 110 yards) to the north, releasing smoke.
“Despite donning protective masks, fifteen peacekeepers suffered consequences, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions, after smoke entered the camp,” UNIFIL reported.
The affected peacekeepers are being treated.
Founded by the UN Security CouncilUNIFIL is taxed monitoring the cessation of hostilities after the war between Israel and Hezbollah, confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the area.
Security incidents
Sunday’s developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, which has been home to five UN peacekeepers injuredand UN positions and buildings damage incurred.
This included a peacekeeper at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura hit by gunfire on Friday evening amid nearby military activity. The bullet was successfully removed after surgery, but the origin of the fire was unknown, according to the mission. Also that night, buildings in the UNIFIL position in Ramyah “suffered significant damage” due to explosions from nearby shelling
On Saturday, IDF soldiers stopped a critical UNIFIL logistics movement near Meiss ej Jebel, denying it passage and preventing its completion.
“For the fourth time in as many days, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the sanctity of UN buildings at all times,” UNIFIL said.
‘Shocking violations’
Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers and violating and trespassing on a UN position are serious violations of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), the mission stressed.
“UNIFIL’s mandate provides for freedom of movement in the area of operations, and any restriction on this is (also) a violation,” it added.
“We have asked the IDF for an explanation for these shocking violations.”
