UN Peacekeepers injured as Israeli tanks breach Southern Lebanon post

The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, Unifil, reported that Israeli tanks forcibly entered one of its posts near the Israeli border early on Sunday morning.

According to a statement by Unifil, two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tanks destroyed the main gate of a post in Ramyah, demanding that the peacekeepers turn off their lights. Two hours later, smoke entered the camp after rounds were fired nearby, leading to 15 peacekeepers suffering from skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues.

The IDF provided a different account, stating that the tanks approached the Unifil post while evacuating soldiers wounded by an anti-tank missile.

Two soldiers were reported seriously injured, while others sustained lesser injuries.

The IDF said that there was no threat to Unifil forces and that communication had been maintained throughout the incident.

However, Unifil described the breach of its post as a “flagrant violation of international law,” reiterating its calls for all parties to respect the safety of UN personnel.

This incident is the latest in a series of escalating encounters between Unifil and Israeli forces, as Israel continues its operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israel has urged Unifil to withdraw from the region, citing the danger posed by Hezbollah fighters, but Unifil has refused, asserting the importance of maintaining its presence.

Despite international condemnation for past incidents involving injured peacekeepers, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated calls for their removal, arguing that Unifil’s presence serves as a “human shield” for Hezbollah militants.

UNIFIL statement:

Early this morning, peacekeepers at a UN position in Ramyah observed three platoons of IDF soldiers crossing the Blue Line into Lebanon.

— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 13, 2024