The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has issued a stern warning against deliberate attacks on peacekeepers after a tense incident involving Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
On Sunday two Israeli tanks reportedly “forcibly entered” a UNIFIL position in Ramyah, southern Lebanon, demanding that the base “turn out its lights.” The peacekeepers were in shelters at the time of the incursion. After approximately 45 minutes and following protests from UNIFIL officials, who stressed the danger posed to their staff, the tanks withdrew.
The situation escalated about two hours later when several rounds were fired near the base, releasing smoke that caused 15 peacekeepers to suffer from skin irritation and “gastrointestinal reactions.” UNIFIL did not specify the origin of this fire.
This incident comes amid rising tensions in the region. The Israeli military reported that Hezbollah fired approximately 115 rockets from Lebanon into Israel on the same day. While details on interceptions or impacts were not provided, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they would “continue to defend the state of Israel and its people against the threat posed by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation.”
UNIFIL, which has been deployed in Lebanon since 1978, is tasked with maintaining calm and reducing tensions along the “blue line” separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This recent event underscores the fragile nature of the peace in the area and the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers in fulfilling their mandate.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of UN personnel and the respect for international peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. UNIFIL’s warning against deliberate attacks on peacekeepers serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of UN operations in the region.
