Israeli forces opened fire on a watchtower at the main base of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In the attack, two soldiers were injured. UNIFIL stated that Israel intentionally destroyed security cameras belonging to the UN, declaring that “any intentional attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701.” Italy protested against Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant due to the incident of UNIFIL mission being fired upon in Lebanon.

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers became the target of the Israeli attack.

According to a UN source, Israeli soldiers fired at peacekeeping positions in three separate incidents in southern Lebanon for 24 hours.

The source reported that an Israeli tank fired on a watchtower at the UNIFIL main base in Naqoura.

As a result of the observation tower being under Israeli tank fire, two peacekeepers fell and were lightly injured.

UNIFIL announced that the headquarters in southern Lebanon were repeatedly hit due to mutual fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The statement mentioned, “The Israeli army intentionally destroyed security cameras belonging to the United Nations.” The Israeli army stated, “We instructed the peacekeepers to stay in fortified areas before the attack. Then fire was opened.”

In a social media statement, UNIFIL emphasized that the recent tension along the Blue Line caused extensive damage to towns and villages in southern Lebanon.

“HEADQUARTERS HIT REPEATEDLY”

“Missiles continue to be launched towards Israel, including civilian areas,” UNIFIL stated, adding that “We witnessed recent attacks from Israel to Lebanon in Naqoura and other areas. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers engaged in clashes with Hezbollah elements in Lebanon. UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters and nearby positions were repeatedly hit.”

The statement further indicated that this morning an Israeli Merkava tank firing towards a watchtower in UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters directly struck, causing two peacekeepers to be injured.

“ENTRANCE TO SHELTER TARGETED” “This time the injuries are not serious, but they are still hospitalized,” the statement mentioned, adding that Israeli soldiers also fired on the entrance to the shelter housing peacekeepers at the UN position in Labbouneh (UNP) 1-31, damaging vehicles and a communication system. “It was observed that an IDF unmanned aerial vehicle flew up to the entrance of the shelter inside the UN position,” the statement stated. UNIFIL continued: “Yesterday, IDF soldiers deliberately fired at the surrounding monitoring cameras of the position and disabled them before the clashes began. They also deliberately fired on UNP 1-32A in Ras Naqoura, where Tripartite Meetings are regularly held, damaging lighting and a relay station.”

“A SERIOUS VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW” Reminding the Israeli army and all actors of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and properties and always respect the immunity of UN buildings, UNIFIL concluded, “Peacekeepers are present in southern Lebanon under SC mandate to support stability. Any intentional attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701. We are closely following up on these matters with the IDF.”

ITALY PROTESTS ISRAEL

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that they protested Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant due to the firing upon UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. Crosetto expressed that Israel’s firing at UNIFIL bases is unacceptable and clearly violates international law. FOREIGN MINISTRY CONDEMNS ATTACK The Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack, stating:

“We condemn Israel’s attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stationed in Lebanon.

Israel targeting UN forces after massacres against civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon is a manifestation of an impunity perception of its every move. The international community is responsible for ensuring Israel’s compliance with the law. Our country contributes a corvette/frigate to the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force and five personnel to the UNIFIL headquarters. We will continue to provide support for all efforts within the framework of international law for the establishment of peace in our region.”