UNIFIL Accuses Israeli Forces of Ramming Peacekeeper Vehicles in South Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported that Israeli military forces rammed its clearly marked peacekeeping vehicles twice on Sunday, causing significant damage. In an official statement, the mission detailed that an Israeli Merkava tank struck the vehicles during encounters in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL further alleged a pattern of escalating harassment over the past week, including Israeli soldiers firing warning shots that damaged identifiable UN vehicles and landed dangerously close to dismounted peacekeepers. The report also highlighted ongoing obstructions, noting that Israeli troops have continually blocked patrol movements on specific roads. Additionally, since early April, Israeli soldiers allegedly destroyed force protection cameras at UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters and five other positions along the Blue Line. Recent acts included spray-painting windows at the headquarters to restrict visibility. UNIFIL condemned these actions as inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under Security Council Resolution 1701, emphasizing the violation of requirements to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of movement for peacekeepers. These incidents underscore rising tensions between Israeli forces and the UN mission in the region.
Wire timeline
UNIFIL Accuses Israeli Forces of Ramming Peacekeeper Vehicles in South Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported that Israeli military forces rammed its clearly marked peacekeeping vehicles twice on Sunday, causing significant damage. In an official statement, the mission detailed that an Israeli Merkava tank struck the vehicles during encounters in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL further alleged a pattern of escalating harassment over the past week, including Israeli soldiers firing warning shots that damaged identifiable UN vehicles and landed dangerously close to dismounted peacekeepers. The report also highlighted ongoing obstructions, noting that Israeli troops have continually blocked patrol movements on specific roads. Additionally, since early April, Israeli soldiers allegedly destroyed force protection cameras at UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters and five other positions along the Blue Line. Recent acts included spray-painting windows at the headquarters to restrict visibility. UNIFIL condemned these actions as inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under Security Council Resolution 1701, emphasizing the violation of requirements to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of movement for peacekeepers. These incidents underscore rising tensions between Israeli forces and the UN mission in the region.
Section Feed