Again, UNIFIL flays Israeli army over alleged deliberate attack on its premises
The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has accused the Israeli army of intentionally damaging one of its bases in Ras Naqoura.
The incident is alarming because it suggests a deliberate attack on UN premises, rather than accidental crossfire. The Israeli army denied involvement, but the UN peacekeeping mission has witnessed seven similar incidents, indicating a concerning pattern.
“In response to our urgent protest, the [Israeli army] denied any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position,” it said in a statement posted on X.
“Yesterday’s incident, like seven other similar incidents, is not a matter of peacekeepers getting caught in the crossfire, but of deliberate and direct actions by the [Israeli army],” it added.
The UN peacekeeping mission has condemned the attacks, citing the deliberate and direct destruction of clearly identifiable UNIFIL property as a flagrant violation of international law and resolution 1701 This resolution aims to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The frequency and nature of the incidents raise concerns about the safety and security of UN personnel and property.
Recall that UNIFIL said Israeli soldiers “forcibly entered” a its position near the village of Ramyah, crossing the UN-mandated Blue Line.
Similarly, on October 10, two peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank fired at a guard tower at the group’s headquarters in the border town of Naqoura.
