US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces as UN accuses IDF of firing on its peacekeepers in Lebanon

The United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, on Friday (Oct 11)said that a bulldozer of the IsraelDefense Forces (IDF) knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, and the IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position.

“Today, several T-walls at our UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an IDF [bulldozer] hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position,” United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement.

It added, "Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.”

US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday urged Israel to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinate efforts to shift from military operations to a diplomatic pathway.

“I urged ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinating efforts to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible. I made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies against attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies. Minister Gallant and I reiterated our commitment to preventing any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region. We also discussed urgent steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” he said.

However, the incident is not related to the one that happened yesterday, in which the UN peacekeeping forces said two peacekeepers were injured “after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower.”

The IDF said that an investigation into the incident is underway.

These incidents have put the peacekeeping forces “at very serious risk,” the UN body stressed. It further warned that “any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701.”

UN peacekeeping force's headquarters affected by Israeli explosions

The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said that its headquarters in the town of Naqoura has been affected by explosions for the second time in 48 hours.

The explosions took place close to an observation tower and injured two soldiers, UNIFIL said in a statement.

Earlier on Thursday, two Indonesian soldiers were wounded falling from an observation tower after an Israeli tank fired towards it.

UK condemns Israeli forces firing on UNIFIL base

The British government condemned the alleged firing by Israeli forces on a United Nations peacekeeper base in Lebanon, and urged all parties in the conflict to "comply with international law".

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“We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokeswoman said.

Israeli strike kills two Lebanese soldiers

Two Lebanese soldiers were killed and three others have been injured in an Israeli strike on an army post in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese army said.

However, Israel has not commented on this yet.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned their deaths, saying, “This persistent Israeli crime against Lebanon did not spare today the brave soldiers who are carrying out their national duty in protecting the land and defending the people.”

At least 22 killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut

As tensions intensify in West Asia, at least 22 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on central Beirut on Thursdayevening, Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday, adding that 117 were injured.

The Israeli strikes hit residential buildings in Bachoura's two densely packed neighbourhoods, Nweiri and Basta.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the 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.

(With inputs from agencies)