UNIFIL Reports Attacks by Israeli Forces Amid Escalating Conflict with Hezbollah
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, reported gunfire from Israeli forces towards its installations, wounding two peacekeepers. Amidst heightened tensions due to Israeli military operations against Hezbollah, UNIFIL called for respect for the safety and integrity of its personnel, while the ongoing conflicts have led to significant casualties in Lebanon as Israel escalates its response to rocket attacks from Hezbollah.
The United Nations peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL reported on Thursday that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have opened fire on their installations in southern Lebanon during ongoing military operations against Hezbollah. Two peacekeepers suffered injuries when an IDF Merkava tank targeted an observation tower at UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters. Fortunately, their injuries are not serious, but they remain hospitalized. Over the past few days, UNIFIL has observed various instances of hostility from IDF forces, including deliberate damages to perimeter surveillance equipment within their positions. This escalation in hostilities occurs amid Israel’s intensified military campaign against Hezbollah, a group that Israel accuses of establishing fortified positions along the Lebanese border. Tensions have mounted not only between Israel and Hezbollah but also between Israel and UNIFIL as the latter plays a critical role in monitoring the Blue Line, established to maintain peace following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon decades ago. Israeli military operations have increased significantly in recent weeks, culminating in ground incursions and heavy airstrikes aimed at pushing Hezbollah forces away from the border. Israeli officials claim that numerous rocket attacks by Hezbollah have necessitated this military response. Since October 8, 2023, Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks have resulted in considerable casualties, with continuous fighting prompting calls for humanitarian interventions and a de-escalation of violence.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 following Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Its primary mission is to ensure peace and security in the region, as well as to assist the Lebanese government in asserting authority in the area. UNIFIL is comprised of peacekeepers from various nations, tasked with preventing hostile activities and protecting civilians. The Blue Line, an unofficial boundary demarcating the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon, has been in place for decades. Crossings by either military without governmental permission is considered a violation of U.N. Resolution 1701. However, increasing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have led to consistent breaches of this resolution since the escalation of conflict in October 2023.
The recent incidents involving UNIFIL peacekeepers and IDF actions highlight the fragile state of security along the Israel-Lebanon border, exacerbated by Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. UNIFIL remains committed to its mission amidst these challenges, but the situation necessitates urgent diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of peacekeeping forces and civilian populations on both sides. The rising exchanges of hostility underscore the need for a negotiated solution to restore stability in the region, essential for the humanitarian needs and safety of affected communities.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
