The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported Thursday that several of its installations in southern Lebanon came under fire from Israeli forces, resulting in injuries to two of its peacekeepers.
According to UNIFIL, Israeli troops opened fire at three U.N. peacekeeper positions, including its headquarters in Naqoura, near the Lebanon-Israel border. The peacekeepers sustained injuries after an IDF Merkava tank fired on an observation tower at the headquarters, causing part of the structure to collapse. The two received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.
The IDF confirmed its operations near Naqoura, stating that Hezbollah uses civilian areas near U.N. posts to launch attacks. The Israeli military said it had instructed UNIFIL personnel to remain in protected areas before engaging in the operation. The IDF did not specify the nature of the fire directed toward the peacekeeper positions but reaffirmed that communication with UNIFIL remains routine.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed “deep concern” over the attacks, calling for respect for the safety of U.N. personnel. Italian and French officials also condemned the incident, labeling it a violation of international law. UNIFIL’s commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, urged restraint, emphasizing the critical need for all parties to respect the inviolability of U.N. premises.
UNIFIL has been stationed in southern Lebanon since 1978 to monitor the fragile peace along the Blue Line, the de facto border established by U.N. resolutions. Tensions between Israel and the peacekeeping force have grown as IDF ground operations have expanded across southern Lebanon in recent weeks.
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