The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the violation of one of its posts and the restriction of its movements by the Israeli army on Sunday.
"Breaching and entering a UN site constitutes a flagrant violation of Resolution 1701 (2006)," the statement read, adding that such actions put at risk the safety and security of UN personnel and property.
UNIFIL has requested an explanation from the Israeli military for what it described as "horrific violations." It also reminded all actors in the region, particularly the Israeli army, of their obligations to respect the inviolability of UN premises and to ensure the safety of peacekeepers in the area.
At approximately 4:30 AM on Sunday, peacekeepers stationed in the border village of Ramia reported that three platoons of Israeli soldiers, accompanied by two Merkava tanks, forcibly entered the main gate of their UNIFIL post.
The tanks reportedly entered the base, demanding multiple times that the peacekeepers turn off the lights. The incident lasted about 45 minutes before the Israeli forces withdrew, following strong protests from UNIFIL through its liaison mechanism. UNIFIL argued that the presence of Israeli forces on their premises endangered the peacekeepers, who had been taking shelter at the time.
Just two hours later, at around 6:40 AM, peacekeepers at the same location reported bursts of gunfire approximately 100 meters north of the base, resulting in thick smoke that spread across the area. Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced symptoms such as skin irritation and stomach problems after the smoke entered the base. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
In another incident on Saturday, Israeli soldiers blocked a critical UNIFIL logistics movement near Mays al-Jabal, preventing the convoy from proceeding. This marked a further escalation in restrictions on UNIFIL's freedom of movement, which is guaranteed under the peacekeeping force's mandate and Security Council Resolution 1701, the statement added.
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