“UNIFILNaqoura headquarters and nearby positions have been hit repeatedly,” the UN mission said in a statement. “This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon at a watchtower at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, hitting it directly and causing them to fall.
“Fortunately the injuries are not serious this time, but they remain in hospital.”
UN peacekeepers are present in southern Lebanon to support a return to stability under a 2006 treaty Security Council mandate. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law Security Councilresolution 1701This is reported by UNIFIL, the UN interim force in Lebanon.
Read our explanation of resolution 1701 here.
Multiple attacks
The recent escalation along the Blue Line is causing widespread destruction of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, while rockets continue to be launched towards Israel, including civilian areas, according to the UN peacekeeping mission.
On On Wednesday, IDF soldiers deliberately shot at the position’s perimeter surveillance cameras and disabled them, UNIFIL saidadding that the IDF also deliberately fired at UNP 1-32A, where tripartite meetings were regularly held before the conflict began, damaging lighting and a relay station.
“In recent days we have seen incursions from Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura and other areas,” the UN mission said. “IDF soldiers clashed with Hezbollah elements in Lebanon.”
IDF soldiers also fired at UN Position 1-31 in Ras Naqoura, hitting the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering and damaging vehicles and a communications system.
An IDF drone was observed flying inside the UN position up to the bunker entrance.
“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,” the UN mission said.
“We are following up with the IDF on these matters.”
