More attacks on UN peacekeeping headquarters in Lebanon after EU condemnation
A number of UN Blue Helmets had been injured after Israeli Forces fired on the UNIFIL mission’s Naqoura base.
Israeli forces have fired a second time on the most important base of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, injuring two peacekeepers — one in all whom is alleged to be in critical situation.
The assault got here after the Israel Defence Forces struck a watch tower on the headquarters on Thursday, injuring two different peacekeepers.
The EU’s overseas coverage chief, Josep Borrell, has demanded accountability from Israel and mentioned that there isn’t any justification for the assault on the United Nations Interim Power in Lebanon, or UNIFIL.
“One other line has been dangerously crossed in Lebanon: IDF shelling of UN peacekeepers whose positions are recognized,” Borrell wrote on X.
“We condemn this inadmissible act, for which there isn’t any justification.”
“The EU reiterates its full assist to UNIFIL, to its UNSC-mandated mission and its troops.”
European Council President Charles Michel additionally condemned the assaults by Israeli forces and referred to as on all sides to respect worldwide humanitarian legislation.
In an announcement, the UN peacekeeping mission mentioned its headquarters and close by positions have been “repeatedly hit”.
“This morning, two peacekeepers had been injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon towards an statement tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, instantly hitting it and inflicting them to fall.”
“The accidents are fortuitously, this time, not critical, however they continue to be in hospital.”
The mission added that IDF troopers additionally “intentionally fired at and disabled” on-site monitoring cameras.
UNIFIL famous that the deliberate concentrating on of UN peacekeepers is a violation of worldwide humanitarian legislation, in addition to Safety Council Decision 1701, which was handed in 2006 to finish hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.
“We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to make sure the protection and safety of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises always. UNIFIL peacekeepers are current in south Lebanon to assist a return to stability beneath SC mandate.”
Israel’s floor invasion
The strike on UNIFIL’s headquarters comes amid a speedy escalation of battle between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Initially of the month, Israel introduced it might be launching “restricted, localised and focused” floor raids in opposition to the militant group within the south of Lebanon.
Presently there are literally thousands of troops energetic alongside the 2 international locations’ roughly 100-kilometre border, in accordance with an Israeli army official. Israel claims the goal of the operation is to convey displaced Israeli residents again residence.
Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging hearth because the begin of Israel’s warfare in Gaza in October final yr. Prime leaders of the militant group have repeatedly insisted that they won’t comply with a ceasefire except Israel withdraws from Gaza.
For the reason that begin of the operation two weeks in the past, greater than 1,400 folks have been killed and greater than 1,000,000 displaced.
UN Below Secretary Basic for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix mentioned the clashes within the area have put peacekeepers at “critical danger”.
“UNIFIL operational actions have just about come to a halt since 23 September. Peacekeepers have been confined to their bases with important intervals of time in shelter,” he mentioned.
“This extreme obstacle to the mission’s freedom of motion inside the space of operations has restricted the mission’s monitoring and reporting skill.”