As Israel expands its ground offensive against Hezbollah, it has been attacking UN bases in Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched shelling that struck a base of the United Nations Multinational Force (UNIFIL). This attack involved led by tanks and resulted in damage to surveillance equipment and watchtowers at the UN base.
On Wednesday, UNIFIL issued an official statement confirming that its peacekeeping forces stationed near Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon witnessed IDF Merkava tanks shelling the peacekeeping observation towers. The statement condemned the “direct and intentional fire” from the IDF targeting UN forces, stressing the obligation to ensure their safety and uphold the sanctity of UN premises.
In response, the IDF insisted that the infrastructure and personnel of UN forces were not their intended targets.
Reports indicate that since Israel expanded its ground offensive against Hezbollah, five UN personnel have been injured, drawing criticism from the international community.
On Monday, the United Nations Security Council expressed “strong concern” regarding the injuries suffered by UN personnel amid Israel’s attacks in southern Lebanon, stating that “UN peacekeeping forces are never a target of attack.”
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also weighed in during a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, urging Israel to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of both UN peacekeepers and Lebanese government forces. Austin also emphasized the importance of exploring diplomatic solutions to protect civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.
International backlash against Israel’s repeated shelling of UN bases has intensified. Following a similar incident on October 10, the French Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, demanding an explanation from Israel. Spain labeled the shelling a “serious violation of international law,” while Italy’s Defense Minister issued a statement calling Israel’s actions “unacceptable.”
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