UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have reported that Israeli tanks forced their way through a gate into a UN position on Sunday (Oct 13), after blocking peacekeepers' movement the previous day.

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have reported that Israeli tanks forced their way through a gate into a UN position on Sunday (Oct 13), after blocking peacekeepers' movement the previous day. According to the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, "At around 4:30 am (0130 GMT), while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF (Israeli military) Merkava tanks destroyed the position's main gate and forcibly entered the position" in the Ramia region, located in southern Lebanon. The tanks demanded that the lights of the base be turned off several times. "They requested multiple times that the base turn out its lights. The tanks left about 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through our liaison mechanism," the statement said. Also read: Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw south Lebanon peacekeepers Later, just over two hours after the tanks left, peacekeepers reported "the firing of several rounds 100 metres (yards) north, which emitted smoke." "Despite putting on protective masks, 15 peacekeepers suffered effects, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions, after the smoke entered the camp," the statement noted. The affected personnel are receiving medical treatment. UNIFIL logistical movement blocked by Israeli forces The previous day, Israeli forces "stopped a critical UNIFIL logistical movement near Mais al-Jabal (an area in south Lebanon), denying it passage." UNIFIL has asked the Israeli military to explain what they described as violations against the peacekeepers. UNIFIL calls for Israeli explanation on 'shocking violations' "We have requested an explanation from the IDF for these shocking violations. For the fourth time in as many days, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel," UNIFIL said. Also read: Bangladesh urges unity after India slams 'deplorable' Durga Puja incidents In recent days, at least five peacekeepers have been injured as Israel has conducted strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu calls for UN peacekeepers' withdrawal On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United Nations to withdraw its peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon, arguing that Hezbollah was using them as "human shields." Netanyahu made this appeal to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, just a day after UNIFIL reiterated its stance not to withdraw from the border despite the injuries to its members during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. "Mr Secretary General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm's way. It should be done right now, immediately," Netanyahu said in a video message released by his office. He warned, "Your refusal to evacuate the UNIFIL soldiers makes them hostages of Hezbollah. This endangers both them and the lives of our soldiers." UNIFIL, consisting of around 9,500 troops from roughly 50 different countries, has the mandate of monitoring a ceasefire established after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli tanks breach UN base in Lebanon; UNIFIL demands explanation for 'shocking violations'

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Saturday (Oct 12) said that an unknown gunshot hit a peacekeeper the previous day, marking the fifth injury near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon within two days.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Saturday (Oct 12) said that an unknown gunshot hit a peacekeeper the previous day, marking the fifth injury near the Israeli border in southern Lebanon within two days. “Last night, a peacekeeper at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura was hit by gunfire due to ongoing military activity nearby. He underwent surgery at our Naqoura hospital to remove the bullet and is currently stable. We do not yet know the origin of the fire," read the statement. The statement further added, “Also last night, buildings in our UN position in Ramyah sustained significant damage due to explosions from nearby shelling.” Third attack in a row On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took responsibility for an incident in which two Sri Lankan soldiers serving with UNIFIL were wounded. According to the IDF, its troops, operating near the UNIFIL base in Naqoura, perceived a threat and opened fire. The Israeli military has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation “at the highest levels.” A day earlier, two Indonesian peacekeepers were hurt when they fell from an observation post after an Israeli tank fired in their direction. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hezbollah launches missiles on Israeli bases near Haifa Nations urge Israel to cease firing at UN peacekeepers in Lebanon "As a major Troop Contributing Country, India aligns itself fully with the joint statement issued by the 34 @UNIFIL_ troop contributing countries. Safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance and must be ensured in accordance with extant UNSC Resolutions," the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said in a statement on X. As a major Troop Contributing Country, India aligns itself fully with the joint statement issued by the 34 @UNIFIL_ troop contributing countries. Safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance and must be ensured in accordance with extant UNSC Resolutions. — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) October 12, 2024 × In response to these incidents, United States President Joe Biden has expressed his firm stance, urging Israel to cease firing at UN peacekeepers in Lebanon during its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. "Absolutely, positively," he said, calling for an immediate end to such actions after the two events in just 48 hours. In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Italy, and Spain also criticised Israel’s actions, deeming them indefensible and demanding an immediate halt. Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry issued a strong condemnation of the IDF's attack, which left two of its peacekeepers injured. Meanwhile, the exchange of missile and rocket fire between the IDF and Hezbollah continued along the Israel-Lebanon border, as Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon persists. The IDF reported that around 100 rockets were fired into northern Israel from Lebanon within 30 minutes on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Fifth UN peacekeeper injured in two days as Israel-Hezbollah border conflict escalates

unifil-peacekeeper

Unifil Peacekeeper, News on Unifil Peacekeeper, stories on Unifil Peacekeeper, articles on Unifil Peacekeeper, Unifil Peacekeeper stories at Wion, Unifil Peacekeeper news, Unifil Peacekeeper latest news

unifil peacekeeper

Israeli tanks breach UN base in Lebanon; UNIFIL demands explanation for 'shocking violations'

Fifth UN peacekeeper injured in two days as Israel-Hezbollah border conflict escalates