UN peacekeepers from India patrol the Blue Line in southern Lebanon. (archive) Lebanon: UN peacekeepers warn of ‘clear violations’ by Israel Peace and Security
Israel carried out airstrikes in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This is stated in a statement issued by the peacekeeping mission on Friday.
The strikes come amid an ongoing operation by the Lebanese Armed Forces aimed at seizing illegal weapons and establishing control over infrastructure in the south of the country, a year after the cessation of hostilities was announced.
“We call on the IDF to use all available means of communication and coordination mechanisms,” the mission noted. “We also caution the Lebanese side against any retaliatory actions that could further aggravate the situation.”
Violation of a key agreement
The mission stressed that Thursday’s airstrikes were a “clear violation” of Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the fighting between Israeli military forces and Hezbollah in 2006.
On Thursday evening, another incident occurred when peacekeepers patrolling an area near the city of Bint Jbeil encountered six men on mopeds. One of them fired three shots at the rear of the Blue Helmets’ vehicle. No one was injured in the incident.
“Attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and are a serious violation of resolution 1701,” the peacekeeping mission said, calling on all parties to respect their obligations.
UNIFIL continues to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and support both sides in realizing a peaceful agreements.