Israeli tanks “forcibly enter” UN position in southern Lebanon: UNIFIL
THE United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
reported on Sunday that two Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of one of its
positions in southern Lebanon and “forcibly entered” the site after blocking
its movement the previous day.
“At approximately 4:30 in the morning, while the
peacekeeping soldiers were in shelters, two Merkava tanks belonging to the
Israeli army destroyed the main gate of the position and entered by force. The
tanks left about 45 minutes later,” UNIFIL said in a statement, referring to a
position in the Ramyah area on the Lebanese side of the border.
According to UNIFIL, the breach was part of recent
Israeli violations against UN forces and positions over the weekend.
“At approximately 6:40 in the morning, peacekeepers
in the same location reported multiple bursts of gunfire 100 metres north,
creating dense smoke. Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers
experienced symptoms such as skin irritation and stomach issues after the smoke
entered the base. They are receiving treatment,” the statement added.
In addition, UNIFIL reported that on Saturday,
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers prevented a critical UNIFIL logistical
movement near the southeast village of Mays al-Jabal.
“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers constitutes a
serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council
Resolution 1701,” UNIFIL stated, adding that it has “requested an explanation
from the IDF for these shocking violations.”
Since 23 September, the Israeli army has been
carrying out an intense air campaign on Lebanon, dubbed “Arrows of the North”,
amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The campaign has included attacks on
UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, injuring at least five UN peacekeepers
over the past week.
On Sunday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati
condemned the attacks. Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu’s earlier remarks urging the UN to “get the UNIFIL forces out of
harm’s way” from southern Lebanon, Mikati said this “represents a new chapter
in the enemy’s disregard for international legitimacy and its relevant
resolutions.” —Xinhua
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