Israeli forces fired tank shell at UN peacekeeper position in Lebanon, UN source reports
By REUTERSUpdated: OCTOBER 10, 2024 18:15 Members of the United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) look at the Lebanese-Israeli border, as they stand on the roof of a watch tower in the town of Marwahin, in southern Lebanon, October 12, 2023.(photo credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI/FILE PHOTO)
Israeli forces reportedly fired a tank shell at a watchtower used by UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon on Wednesday, one of three cases in the last 24 hours of the peacekeeping force's positions coming under Israeli fire, a UN source told Reuters.
Two Indonesian peacekeepers with the UNIFIL peacekeeping force were injured, but not seriously, after the watchtower at the force's main base in Naqoura was fired upon, the source said.
"Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law," UNIFIL said in a statement, adding that it was following up with the Israeli military.
"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 statement continued. "UNIFIL peacekeepers are present in south Lebanon to support a return to stability under Security Council mandate. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701."
Israeli forces fired on two positions used by UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Thursday and at a third one on Wednesday, the UN force said, injuring two of its peacekeepers.
Members of the United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) stand together at the church square on Good Friday in the town of Klayaa, southern Lebanon, March 29, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/KARAMALLAH DAHER)
International Reaction
Italy subsequently protested to Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday. He summoned the ambassador to Italy to account for the incident, according to Politico reports that sited a government official.
Firing on UNIFIL bases was "totally unacceptable" and clearly flouts international law, Crosetto added in a statement.
Further, Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell Fontelles reacted on X/Twitter, calling the incident an "inadmissable act."
Another line has been dangerously crossed in Lebanon: IDF shelling of @UN peacekeepers whose positions are known. We condemn this inadmissible act, for which there is no justification. The EU reiterates its full support to @UNIFIL_ , to its UNSC-mandated mission & its troops.
