Lebanon: Israel reacts as 2 UN peacekeepers hurt amidst conflict

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has said in a statement on Friday that its Naqoura headquarters was affected by explosions for the second time in the last 48 hours and two peacekeepers were injured after the explosions occurred close to an observation tower.

The UNIFIL said one injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second being treated in Naqoura, adding that several T-walls at its UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when the Israeli force caterpillar hit the perimeter and tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position.
“Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.These incidents put again UN peacekeepers, who are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the Security Council under resolution 1701 (2006), at very serious risks”.

The UNIFIL who expressed dissatisfaction on this incident maintained that it’s a serious development, and reiterated that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that inviolability of its premises be respected. “Deliberate attack on peacekeepers is violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006)”.

Reponding to this development, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has expressed deep concern over this incidents and is currently conducting a thorough review at the highest levels of command to determine the details.

According to the IDF Spokesman, Lieutenant Nadav Shoshani who made this known on X explained that the Israeli force is operating in southern Lebanon, part of ongoing conflict with Hezbollah whose terrorists are in close proximity to UNIFIL positions which posed a significant risk to the safety of peacekeepers.

He noted that the IDF takes every precaution to minimize harm to civilians, peacekeepers alike. “Given the complex and challenging operational environment in which Hezbollah uses civilian and UNIFIL facilities as shields, the IDF will continue making efforts to mitigate the risk of such unfortunate incidents happening again.
“It is unfortunate that since 2006, UN Security Council Resolution 1701 has not been fully enforced and that Hezbollah has been violated it by establishing extensive militarized presence in southern Lebanon requiring the Israeli force to operate against Hezbollah’s weapons, assets and personnel in the area”.

The Spokesman added that the IDF remains committed to protecting Israeli communities along the border and will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of civilians and peacekeepers in this volatile region. “We’re committed to a careful examination of these incidents, to engaging in ongoing dialogue with UNIFIL and the nation states that participate in the peacekeeping mission”.

The Israeli force had earlier said when operating southern Lebanon, it maintained routine communication with the UNIFIL, adding that the troops that operated in the Naqoura, next to UNIFIL base, instructed the UN forces to remain in protected spaces, after which the forces opened fire in the area.