by Admin
Oct 11, 2024
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) on Thursday morning attacked the position of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, (UNFIL), in Southern Lebanon and crossed the designated blue line which divides the Israel and Lebanon border.
The UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura was repeatedly shelled by the Israeli Merkava armored tank leaving two UNIFIL soldiers injured.
In a statement released by the United Nations mission in Lebanon, it said, “This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it and causing them to fall.”
“The injuries are, fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital.”
This attack came a day after the Israeli army fired directly at the UNIFIL position’s perimeter-monitoring cameras, deliberately disabling them and also destroying UNP 1-32A, a designated place where regular Tripartite meetings were held before the outbreak of the war, the IDF damaged the lighting and a relay station.
“In the past days, we have seen incursions from Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura and other areas,” adding that “IDF soldiers have clashed with Hezbollah elements on the ground in Lebanon.” the statement added.
The United Mission statement further disclosed that “We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times”.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has publicly condemned the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces and has urged the UNIFIL peacekeepers to continue their mission.
Taking to his official X account, the Secretary-General said “UNIFIL continues to carry out their mandates to the extent possible.
The mission relies on full compliance by all parties”.
He further added that “All actors must ensure their safety and security.”.