In Lebanon, Israeli forces open fire on the UN headquarters.
For decades, UN troops have been stationed in Lebanon. Recently, the Israeli army initiated a ground invasion into the neighboring country. A significant incident has now unfolded in the border area.
As reported by the UN, Israeli forces targeted the UNIFIL mission's headquarters, injuring at least two UN personnel. A UN spokesperson confirmed that an Israeli army tank directly hit an UN observation post. This incident marks the first casualties among the UN peacekeeping forces since Israel's ground offensive against the Hezbollah militia, supported by Iran, commenced around a week ago in Lebanon.
The Israeli military has neglected to comment or provide details regarding the incident after being approached. The UNIFIL mission, consisting of over 10,000 UN soldiers hailing from more than 50 nations, including Germany, has been responsible for monitoring the border area for many years. Nations like Indonesia, Italy, and India contribute a substantial number of these troops. The incident took place in Nakura, a significant town in the southern border region, which is the first major town in Lebanon close to the demilitarized zone with Israel on the Mediterranean coast.
The UNIFIL mission spokesperson revealed that this area and its surroundings have been under repeated attacks. The two injured UN personnel were not severely harmed but were transported to the hospital following the attack. Another strike also hit the entrance to a bunker where UN troops had taken refuge. UN vehicles and a communication system were also damaged.
Irish President: Israeli Forces Poses Threat to Peacekeepers
Israel's ground operation in Lebanon commenced a week prior, with the stated goal of combating the Hezbollah, an Islamist organization. Simultaneously, the possibility of confrontations with the Lebanese army, as well as UN peacekeepers, has risen. Though the Lebanese army has not directly engaged in the conflict, it has also reported casualties from skirmishes with Israeli troops. Irish President Michael D. Higgins, who commands over 300 UN soldiers, has publicly criticized Israel's actions.
Higgins declared that the Israeli forces had threatened the peacekeeping troops and demanded their evacuation from the border area. Israel even demanded the complete withdrawal of the UNIFIL mission from the region. A few days ago, the UN mission showed concern over the activities of the Israeli military near one of its posts, referring to an attack in Marun ar-Ras, a border area further east of Nakura.
The European Union has expressed concern over the escalating situation in Lebanon and the safety of UN peacekeepers, specifically the UNIFIL mission. The European Union foreign policy chief has urged Israel to respect the UN's neutrality and protect its peacekeepers in the region.
