Israeli forces ‘deliberately destroyed’ an observation tower, fenced in a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon – World Issues
A press statement issued by the Mission, officially known as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) “deliberately demolished” the tower and the fence surrounding the Marwahin area.
“In the meantime, we remind the IDF and all stakeholders of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and assets and to respect the inviolability of UN buildings at all times,” UNIFIL said.
The mission reiterated that the violation of the UN base and the damage to its property is a clear violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701, a document unanimously adopted to end the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and draw a path towards security in the country. the border between Israel and Lebanon.
The statement went on to note that the Israeli army has repeatedly asked UNIFIL to withdraw from its positions along the Blue Line and deliberately damage UN positions.
Although there is pressure on these missions and the countries contributing troops, UNIFIL insisted that the soldiers remain in their positions, said the statement of the force on Sunday.
“We will continue to do our mandated work of monitoring and reporting,” the statement concluded.
Other security incidents
What happened on Sunday comes after a series of disturbing incidents in the past few days in which five soldiers were injured.
Just four days ago, UNIFIL issued a statement saying that peacekeepers in an area near Kafer Kela saw an IDF Merkava tank firing from their observation tower.
Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged.
“We are currently witnessing direct and deliberate fire in the UNIFIL area,” the mission said at the time.
Additionally, last Sunday, 13 October, 15 peacekeepers suffered from “smoke effects”, after the IDF fired several rounds about 100 meters from their position, which was deliberately violated two hours earlier on the same day.
Several UN positions were damaged, cameras and lights were destroyed.
Senior UN officials, including the Secretary-General, expressed concern over the situation, and reiterated that the safety and security of UN personnel and property “must be guaranteed” and that violations of UN structures “must be respected at all times without qualification”.
He also warned that attacks on peacekeepers are against international law and may amount to war crimes.
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