UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon have accused Israeli forces of a ‘deliberate’ attack on a watchtower in the region. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or Unifil, reported that Israeli forces opened fire on their watchtower near southern Lebanon’s Kfar Kela, resulting in the destruction of two cameras and damage to the tower. This incident occurred amidst tensions between the UN mission and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has accused the peacekeepers of providing a “human shield” to the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Unifil stated that this was not the first time their positions were directly targeted by what appeared to be intentional fire. The mission underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel and property, urging all parties, including the Israel Defense Forces, to respect the inviolability of UN premises. Unifil, which comprises 10,541 peacekeepers from 50 countries including the UK, Italy, France, and Ireland, continues to operate in a defined area between the Blue Line and the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
The Blue Line delineates the border between Lebanon and Israel, and any unauthorised crossing of this line constitutes a violation of Security Council resolution 1701. Recent clashes have intensified, with Israeli troops reportedly entering a Unifil position near the village of Ramyah and firing smoke rounds that affected peacekeepers. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasised the importance of protecting Unifil forces in a conversation with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, while 16 EU nations called for enhanced rules of engagement in Lebanon.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto indicated a potential shift in UN approaches should Israel cease its military actions in the region. Israel, following earlier accusations of Unifil failing in its mission, expressed support for the organisation’s activities. However, amidst these developments, Israeli warplanes conducted strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the first attack on the city since a previous offensive that claimed lives and displaced populations. The situation remains volatile, with concerns growing over further escalation and the safety of all parties involved.