The spokesman for the international UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, Andrea Tenenti, confirmed that his forces refused to leave their positions on the border after the Israeli army asked them to do so.
Tenenti told Agence France-Presse: “The Israeli forces asked us to leave our positions along the Blue Line (the temporary withdrawal line established by the United Nations in 2000 for the purpose of confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.”
He added: “It was unanimously decided that we will remain in the positions because the United Nations flag must fly in this area.”
Since October 1, Israel has launched a ground operation against Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon and continues its aerial bombardment on various Lebanese regions.
On October 5, Tenenti confirmed that Israeli forces asked them to evacuate some of their centers in southern Lebanon.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, announced on Thursday that “Israeli tank fire opened fire on its headquarters in the south of the country, wounding two of its members, and accused Israel of bombing its positions “repeatedly.”
Last updated: October 13, 2024 – 14:19
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