UN Peacekeepers Report Israeli Breach in Southern Lebanon
UN peacekeepers in Lebanon reported on Sunday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) breached one of its positions in southern Lebanon, an action deemed in violation of international law.
“At around 4:30 a.m., while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the position’s main gate and forcibly entered the position. They requested multiple times that the base turn out its lights,” stated the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The tanks left approximately 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through its liaison mechanism, expressing concerns that the IDF presence was compromising the safety of peacekeepers.
UNIFIL characterized the IDF’s actions as a “flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006),” and has requested an explanation from the Israeli military regarding what it termed “shocking violations.”
In addition to the breach of its position, UNIFIL reported that 15 of its soldiers are receiving treatment following another incident in the same area.
“At around 6:40 a.m., peacekeepers at the same position reported the firing of several rounds 100 meters north, which emitted smoke. Despite donning protective masks, fifteen peacekeepers experienced skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions due to the smoke entering the camp,” the statement indicated, without specifying who had fired the rounds.
Furthermore, UNIFIL disclosed that the IDF halted what was described as a “critical logistical movement” near Meiss el Jabal, denying it passage.
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