The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced that the Israeli army has opened fire on UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli army, which has been conducting operations aimed at advancing into southern Lebanon, is also targeting the UN peacekeeping force in the region. Following previous incidents where white phosphorus was reportedly used, causing injuries to peacekeepers, this latest attack involved direct gunfire at UNIFIL personnel.
A UNIFIL statement reported that on October 22, from its permanent observation post in the town of Dhayra, southern Lebanon, peacekeepers observed Israeli soldiers operating in local residences. According to the statement, Israeli troops opened fire on the UNIFIL position after realizing they were under observation, prompting the peacekeepers to withdraw for safety.
The statement noted that the Israeli army had previously instructed UNIFIL forces along the Blue Line to vacate their positions and had deliberately damaged several assets, including cameras, lighting, and communication equipment.
The statement also asserted, “Despite the ongoing mission and mounting pressures on troop-contributing countries, the peacekeepers will remain in their posts and continue fulfilling their duties of observation and reporting.”
UNIFIL reiterated its reminder to the Israeli military and other involved parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety of UN personnel and property, emphasizing that any deliberate attacks on these personnel or assets constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 mandates that Israel withdraw behind the Blue Line and demilitarize the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River in Lebanon, permitting only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL to retain weapons and military equipment in this area.
However, most of the territory between the Litani River and the Blue Line, marking the border with Israel, has been under Hezbollah’s significant military influence since 2000.
