UN condemns Israeli tank breach at peacekeeper base in South Lebanon
The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has reported that Israeli tanks forcibly entered one of its positions early Sunday morning.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tanks destroyed the main gate of a post in Ramyah, near the Israeli border, and “forcibly entered the position” to request the base turn off its lights.
About two hours later, rounds fired nearby caused smoke to enter the camp, affecting 15 peacekeepers who suffered skin irritations and gastrointestinal reactions.
The IDF presented a different account, claiming it entered the UNIFIL post to evacuate soldiers wounded by an anti-tank missile. It reported that two soldiers had been “seriously injured,” with others sustaining lesser injuries. The IDF added that a smoke screen was deployed during the evacuation and emphasized there was no threat to UNIFIL personnel from their activities.
The incident is part of a rising number of encounters between UNIFIL and Israeli forces, as Israel has urged the peacekeeping force to withdraw from southern Lebanon amid its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for UNIFIL to “immediately” remove its troops from the region, stating their presence makes them “hostages of Hezbollah.” UNIFIL, however, has refused these requests, insisting it will remain in the area.
Israel has faced international criticism for previous incidents in which UNIFIL personnel were harmed, with the IDF admitting responsibility in some cases.
UNIFIL called the breach of its Ramyah post “a further flagrant violation of international law” and urged all parties to ensure the safety of its personnel.
Credit: BBC
