Israeli forces tore through UNIFIL base in third deliberate attack

By Al Mayadeen English
13 Oct 2024 19:45
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Three platoons of IOF soldiers, supported by two Merkava tanks, crossed into the area at around 4:30 a.m., destroying the UN base's main gate and demanding that the compound turn off its lights.

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Spanish US peacekeepers stand on a hill overlooking the Lebanese border villages with Israel in Marjayoun town on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (AP)

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 a.m., 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 a.m., 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 its 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.

"Breaching and entering a UN position is a serious violation of international law," the statement read. "Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law."

The peacekeeping force has requested an explanation from the IOF for the "shocking violations" and reiterated that any restrictions on its freedom of movement are also violations of Resolution 1701.

To read UNIFIL's statements, join us on Telegram:https://t.co/BliM6Ddcau
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 13, 2024

Third violation in the past three days

Today's violation by the IOF marks the third in recent days. The first occurred on October 10, when two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured by Israeli fire. The second took place on October 11, when explosions near UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters injured two Sri Lankan peacekeepers.

On Friday, October 11, explosions near UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters injured two Sri Lankan peacekeepers, marking the second such attack in 48 hours. The mission’s observation tower near the Palestinian-Lebanese border was struck by Israeli forces, and a UN position at Labbouneh was damaged when an IOF Caterpillar hit the perimeter. IOF tanks also moved dangerously close to the UN position, further endangering peacekeepers.

In a statement, UNIFIL warned of "very serious risks" to its peacekeepers, who are stationed in Lebanon under the mandate of Security Council Resolution 1701.

The situation has drawn international condemnation, including from Spain, Italy and France.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday urged the international community to stop selling weapons to "Israel" as he condemned Israeli attacks on UNIFIL.

None of the Spanish soldiers who were part of the mission were hit, the Spanish Defense Ministry said on Friday. Spain has deployed 650 peacekeepers in Lebanon and a Spanish general leads the mission.

French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed halting arms exports to "Israel" as a decisive measure to stop the escalating conflict. Speaking at a summit of European and Mediterranean leaders in Cyprus, Macron condemned the targeting of UN peacekeepers by Israeli forces, calling it "absolutely unacceptable".

He noted that halting the flow of weapons could be the key to ending the ongoing violence.