UNIFIL peacekeepers (file photo). Lebanon: Israeli tanks enter UN peacekeepers’ positions Peace and Security
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tanks “forcefully entered” UN positions in southern Lebanon early Sunday morning. UN peacekeepers suffered smoke inhalation after several attacks in the area. This was reported today by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
According to the mission, at approximately 04:30 a.m. local time, while the peacekeepers were in their shelters, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate and entered the UN positions.
“They requested several times that the lights be turned off at the base,” UNIFIL said in a statement.
The tanks left the site about 45 minutes after UN forces protested through a special liaison mechanism, stressing that the IDF presence was putting the peacekeepers at risk.
At around 06:40, peacekeepers at the same position reported several shots fired 100 meters north of them, causing smoke.
“Despite wearing protective masks, fifteen peacekeepers suffered effects including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions after smoke entered the camp,” – UNIFIL reported. The injured peacekeepers are receiving medical assistance.
Wounds and injuries
Five peacekeepers have already been injured in recent days, while UN positions and facilities have been damaged.
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A peacekeeper at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura was injured on Friday evening during gunfire near the position. The bullet was successfully removed in an operation, but its origin is unknown, the mission said. That same night, buildings at the UNIFIL position in al-Ramieh “suffered significant damage” as a result of shelling.
On Saturday, IDF soldiers stopped critical UNIFIL logistical movement near Meis al-Jabal.
The mission reminds the IDF and all parties of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property, and of the need to respect the sanctity of UN installations at all times.
“Shocking Violations”
Any deliberate attacks against peacekeepers, as well as intrusions into UN positions, constitute grave violations of international law and resolution 1701 (2006) of the Security Council, the mission emphasized.
“UNIFIL’s mandate provides for freedom of movement in its area of operations, and any restriction of this is also a violation,” the statement said.
The UN forces asked the IDF “for an explanation of these shocking violations.”