“UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters and close by positions have been repeatedly hit,” the UN mission stated in an announcement. “This morning, two peacekeepers have been injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon towards an remark tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, instantly hitting it and inflicting them to fall.
“The accidents are thankfully, this time, not severe, however they continue to be in hospital.”
UN peacekeepers are current in south Lebanon to assist a return to stability below a 2006 Security Council mandate. Any deliberate assault on peacekeepers is a grave violation of worldwide humanitarian legislation and of Security Council resolution 1701, in accordance with UNIFIL, the UN Interim Power in Lebanon.
Learn our explainer on decision 1701 here.
A number of assaults
The current escalation alongside the Blue Line is inflicting widespread destruction of cities and villages in south Lebanon, whereas rockets proceed to be launched in direction of Israel, together with civilian areas, in accordance with the UN peacekeeping mission.
On Wednesday, IDF troopers intentionally fired at and disabled the place’s perimeter-monitoring cameras, UNIFIL stated, including that the IDF additionally intentionally fired on UNP 1-32A, the place common Tripartite conferences have been held earlier than the battle started, damaging lighting and a relay station.
“Previously days we’ve got seen incursions from Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura and different areas,” the UN mission stated. “IDF troopers have clashed with Hezbollah components on the bottom in Lebanon.”
IDF troopers additionally fired on UN place 1-31 in Ras Naqoura, hitting the doorway to the bunker the place peacekeepers have been sheltering and damaging automobiles and a communications system.
An IDF drone was noticed flying contained in the UN place as much as the bunker entrance.
“We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to make sure the security and safety of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises always,” the UN mission stated.
“We’re following up with the IDF on these issues.”