UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon announced on Sunday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had breached positions in southern Lebanon in violation of international law.
“At around 4:30 a.m., while the peacekeepers were in the shelter, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate of the position and forced their way into the position. We have made this request again and again,” the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said in a statement on Sunday.
“The tanks departed approximately 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through our liaison mechanism that the IDF presence was endangering peacekeepers.”
UNIFIL said the IDF’s actions were a “clear violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006),” adding that it had asked the Israeli military to explain what it called “shocking violations.” .
UNIFIL also announced that 15 soldiers were being treated for violations of their positions, as well as other incidents in the same area.
“At around 6:40 a.m., peacekeepers in the same position reported several shots 100 meters to the north and smoke erupted. Despite wearing protective masks, smoke could be seen inside the camp. “After entering, 15 peacekeepers suffered from dermatitis and gastrointestinal reactions,” the statement said, without specifying who fired the shots.
Finally, UNIFIL said the IDF had blocked what it described as a “significant logistics operation” near Meis el-Jabal, denying it passage.
“We remind the IDF and all stakeholders of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property and to respect at all times the integrity of United Nations facilities,” the statement added. .
