UNIFIL accuses Israel of deliberate strike on its position in southern Lebanon
UNIFIL has denounced Israel’s recent attack on its position in southern Lebanon, calling it a “direct and apparently deliberate” strike.
The incident occurred in the Lebanese village of Kafer Kela, where an Israeli Merkava tank targeted a UN watchtower, destroying two cameras and damaging the structure.
“This morning, peacekeepers at a position near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower. Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged. Yet again we see direct and apparently deliberate fire on a UNIFIL position.
“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.”
This isn’t an isolated incident; Israel has targeted UNIFIL positions multiple times in the past week, sparking concerns that it’s trying to pressure the agency to withdraw its peacekeeping forces.
The recent escalation along the Blue Line has already caused widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, with towns and villages bearing the brunt of the conflict.
Earlier, UN peacekeeping chief told the Security Council that the safety and security of peacekeepers in Lebanon is “increasingly in jeopardy” as Israeli forces open fire on UNIFIL posts in the country’s south, injuring two.
UN investigators said Israel is committing “war crimes and crimes against humanity” in its deliberate attacks on healthcare facilities and medical personnel in Gaza.
