'Israel', again, targets UNIFIL in South Lebanon, fires at watchtower
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Israeli occupation forces have fired at the watchtower of UNIFIL peacekeepers in the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Kila.
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Spanish peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) coordinate their patrol with the Lebanese Military Police in Marjayoun in south Lebanon on October 8, 2024. (AFP)
UN troops in Lebanon reported that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) shot at one of their locations in South Lebanon in a "direct and apparently deliberate" strike that targeted a watchtower.
Peacekeepers in the southern town of Kfar Kila saw an Israeli army tank "firing at their watchtower," UNIFIL stated, adding that "two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged" in what the force described as "direct and apparently deliberate fire on a UNIFIL position."
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) issued a strong condemnation on Sunday following a third deliberate violation by "Israel" where Israeli occupation forces (IOF) crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon and forcibly entered a UN position in Ramyah.
According to the statement, three platoons of IOF soldiers, supported by two Merkava tanks, crossed into the area at around 4:30 am, destroying the UN base's main gate and demanding that the compound turn off its lights. The tanks withdrew about 45 minutes later after UNIFIL lodged a formal protest through established liaison channels.
At approximately 6:40 am, peacekeepers at the same UN position reported nearby rounds of fire, with smoke entering the camp. Despite the use of protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues because of the smoke, requiring medical treatment.
UNIFIL also reported that IOF soldiers obstructed a critical UN logistical movement near Mays al-Jabal on Saturday, denying it passage and preventing the completion of the mission.
In its statement, UNIFIL reminded the IOF of their obligations under international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), which calls for the safety of UN personnel and respect for the inviolability of UN premises.
Despite putting on protective masks, fifteen peacekeepers suffered effects, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions, after the smoke entered the camp. The peacekeepers are receiving treatment.
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 13, 2024
Lebanon files complaint at UNSC over Israeli aggression, UNIFIL strike
In a joint statement issued on Monday, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany demanded an end to deliberate attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops operating in southern Lebanon, stating that such actions "must stop" and are "in violation of international humanitarian law."
The statement follows a broader declaration from at least 40 countries made on Saturday, expressing their "full support" for UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon. The declaration came after five UNIFIL personnel were injured in Israeli shelling within the preceding 48 hours.
Published by Poland's mission to the United Nations, the statement urged all parties involved in the war to "respect the presence of UNIFIL" and stressed the need to "ensure the safety and security of all its personnel at all times."
Lebanon's permanent mission to the United Nations, following instructions from the caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdallah Bou Habib, filed a formal complaint with both UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Security Council in response to repeated Israeli attacks on UNIFIL sites in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli occupation had earlier demanded that UNIFIL leave southern Lebanon, claiming that Hezbollah, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, was "using these forces as human shields."
This comes amid increasing tensions and escalations in the region, with heightened concerns for the safety of international peacekeeping forces stationed in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese mission stressed that these Israeli assaults on UNIFIL represent "a dangerous precedent and a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701." It also highlighted the Israeli efforts to "undermine UNIFIL's mission" and accused the occupation of "violating international legitimacy and disregarding both international law and humanitarian law."
