The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced in a statement that the Israeli occupation army shot at its soldiers on 22 October, while they were at a permanent observation post near the town of Dhayra in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL relayed in its statement: “On 22 October, peacekeepers on duty at a permanent observation post near Dhayra were observing IDF soldiers conducting house clearing operations nearby. Upon realising they were being observed, the IDF soldiers fired at the post. The duty guards withdrew to avoid being shot.”
The statement added: “The IDF has repeatedly demanded that UNIFIL vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has deliberately damaged camera, lighting, and communications equipment at some of these positions. Despite the pressure being exerted on the mission and our troop-contributing countries, peacekeepers remain in position and on task. We will continue to undertake our mandated tasks to monitor and report.”
“We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property. Any deliberate attack on them is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Resolution 1701,” it continued.
UNIFIL soldiers have come under fire several times in recent days, resulting in at least four soldiers being injured.
UNIFIL was established by UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 of 19 March, 1978, to confirm the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its effective authority in the area.
Following the July-August 2006 war, based on Resolution 1701, the UN Security Council reinforced UNIFIL and assigned it additional tasks by working in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL forces did not leave their positions in southern Lebanon after the start of the Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon on 1 October, despite Israel’s demand that they withdraw from their positions.
A number of UNIFIL sites, especially its headquarters in the Ras Al-Naqoura area, were subjected to Israeli gunfire and shelling, with a number of its soldiers being injured.
READ: Deadly Israel strike on journalists in Lebanon prompts global condemnation