Israeli Tanks Fire At UN Peacekeepers' Posts In Lebanon; 2 Injured
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday opened fire at UN peacekeepers at their headquarters in south Lebanon, resulting in injuries to several employees. Israel had admitted its attack near the UN posts, alleging that the Hezbollah militants are operating there. However, the attack on the peacekeepers ignited international condemnation. The UN mission also confirmed the firing from the IDF Merkava tank towards an observation tower at the UNIFIL headquarters in south Lebanon’s Naqura, directly targeting the post.
As the IDF began targeting the area, the peacekeeping mission had last week rejected Israel’s call to relocate from some of its positions in South Lebanon. The UN interim force in Lebanon has around 10,000 peacekeeping members, and the force has been calling for a ceasefire since Israel began bombing Lebanon. The UNIFIL in a post on X said any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701.
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Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701.
We are following up with the IDF on these matters.
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 10, 2024
The peacekeeping team who suffered injuries in the firing is receiving treatment in hospitals. The injured are Indonesian nationals, and the country’s ambassador, Hari Prabowo, has expressed his anger, stating Israel’s action showed how it positioned itself above international law, above impunity, and above shared values.
The United States, the close ally and weapon supplier of Israel, said it was “deeply concerned,” adding that the White House understands Israel is conducting targeted operations while noting that it is important not to threaten the UN peacekeepers.
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Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said any firing in the UNIFIL vicinity, troops, or facilities is reckless.
The UN peacekeeping head, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, expressed his concerns about the security of peacekeepers, saying they face serious risk with their safety being increasingly in jeopardy.
