UNIFIL issued the following statement:
"The recent escalation along the Blue Line is causing widespread destruction to towns and villages in southern Lebanon, while rockets continue to be launched toward Israel, including into civilian areas. In recent days, we have witnessed incursions by Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura and other areas. Israeli soldiers have engaged with Hezbollah elements on the ground in Lebanon.
Additionally, the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and neighboring sites have been subjected to repeated shelling.
This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli army Merkava tank fired its weapon at a watchtower in the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, hitting it directly and causing the injuries to the soldiers. Fortunately, this time, the injuries are not serious, but they remain in the hospital. Israeli soldiers also fired at UN Post 1-31 in Ras Naqoura, damaging the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering and causing damage to vehicles and the communications system. An Israeli drone was also seen flying over the UN site up to the entrance of the bunker.
Yesterday, Israeli soldiers deliberately fired at surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the site, disabling them. They also intentionally fired at UN Observation Post 1-32A in Ras Naqoura, where regular tripartite meetings were held before the conflict began, resulting in damage to the lighting and retransmission station.
We remind the Israeli army and all active parties of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the sanctity of UN buildings at all times. UNIFIL peacekeeping forces are present in southern Lebanon to support the return to stability under the Security Council's mandate. Any deliberate attack on peacekeeping forces constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701.
We are following up on these issues with the Israeli army."
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