UNIFIL medics (archive). Israeli army “deliberately demolished” peacekeeping facilities in southern Lebanon Peace and Security
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said an Israeli army bulldozer “deliberately destroyed” an observation tower and perimeter fence of a UN position in Marwahin in the south of the country on Sunday.
“We once again remind the Israel Defense Forces and all parties of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property, and to respect the inviolability of UN premises,” UNIFIL said.
The mission also recalled that invading UN territory and damaging its property constitutes a violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701.
According to the statement, the Israeli army has repeatedly asked UNIFIL to vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has deliberately damaged buildings in the area.
UNIFIL stressed that despite the pressure, peacekeepers remain in all their positions. “We will continue to carry out our monitoring and reporting tasks,” the statement said.
Multiple incidents
Five peacekeepers have been injured in recent days. Several UNIFIL positions were damaged and cameras and lights were destroyed in the incidents in southern Lebanon.
Last week, UNIFIL issued a statement saying that peacekeepers at a position in the Kfar Kila area observed an IDF Merkava tank open fire on an observation tower, destroying two cameras and damaging the structure.
“Once again, we are seeing direct and apparently deliberate fire on UNIFIL positions,” the mission said at the time.
In addition, on October 13, 15 peacekeepers were injured by gunfire from the Israeli army due to smoke. Earlier in the day, their position had been deliberately breached.
The Secretary-General recalled that the security of UN personnel and property “must be guaranteed” and the inviolability of facilities “must be respected at all times and unconditionally.” He also warned that attacks on peacekeepers are contrary to international law and may constitute war crimes.