UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon were targeted by the Israeli army on Friday, the second time in 48 hours, resulting in additional injuries among the multinational force.
A statement by UNIFIL, indicated that “two peacekeepers were injured in two explosions close to their observation tower.”
“One was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is receiving treatment at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura,” the statement said.
“An Israeli army caterpillar hit the perimeter causing several T-walls to fall, at our position in Labbouneh,” the statement added, pointing out that “these incidents put again UN peacekeepers at very serious risk.”
UNIFIL also made clear that “this is a serious development,” reiterating “that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed.”
“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006)” the statement concluded.
On Thursday, UNIFIL declared in a statement that “the Israeli army targeted a guard tower of the International Emergency Force,” at the force’s headquarters in Naqoura.
“Two peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli Merkava tank fired at an observation tower at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura,” it said in a statement.
Additionally, the international force accused the Israeli army of “repeatedly shelling” their headquarters in Naqoura and neighboring positions.
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