BEIRUT: United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon said on Sunday that Israeli tanks forcibly entered a Blue Helmet position in southern Lebanon after blocking their movement the previous day, raising concerns about the safety and security of UN personnel in the region.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning when two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Merkava tanks breached the main gate of the UN position in Ramia.
“At around 4:30 am (0130 GMT), while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF (Israeli military) Merkava tanks destroyed the position’s main gate and forcibly entered the position” in the Ramia area of southern Lebanon, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said.
According to the UNIFIL, the tanks entered the peacekeepers’ position after blocking their movement the previous day. “They requested multiple times that the base turn out its lights. The tanks left about 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through our liaison mechanism,” the peacekeeping mission said.
Following the tank entry, UNIFIL reported hearing several rounds of gunfire approximately 100 meters north of the camp, which emitted smoke. Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced health issues, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions, due to the smoke entering the camp. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
This latest incident follows a series of events over the weekend where Israeli soldiers impeded critical UNIFIL logistical movements in the area, specifically near Mais al-Jabal, denying them passage. UNIFIL has requested explanations from the IDF regarding these violations against their force.
“We have requested an explanation from the IDF regarding these shocking violations,” UNIFIL said. “For the fourth time in as many days, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.”
The ongoing Israeli attacks have placed UN peacekeepers in a precarious position. A UNIFIL spokesperson said that the mission would continue despite the injuries to five of its peacekeepers and damage to their facilities.
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Recent incidents have seen two Indonesian peacekeepers injured due to Israeli tank fire in Naqura.
The following day it said explosions close to an observation tower in Naqura wounded two Sri Lankan Blue Helmets at a UN peacekeeping position.
On Saturday UNIFIL said a peacekeeper in Naqura “was hit by gunfire” on Friday night.
Earlier, 40 nations contributing to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon have strongly condemned recent attacks on the peacekeepers stationed there.
The joint statement, shared by the Polish UN mission and supported by key contributors urged an immediate cessation of these hostile actions and called for thorough investigations into the incidents.
Pope Francis on Sunday called for “respect” for UN peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon who have accused the Israeli forces of deliberately firing on their positions.
Speaking from the Vatican after his Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed solidarity with those affected by the ongoing conflicts in the region.
“I am close to all the people involved — Palestine, Israel, Lebanon — where I ask that the UN peacekeepers be respected,” Pope Francis said.
At least five peacekeepers have been injured in the crossfire, with UNIFIL accusing the Israeli military of deliberately firing on their positions. The peacekeeping force, which includes approximately 9,500 troops from over 50 countries, is responsible for monitoring the ceasefire established after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah under UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution mandates that only Lebanese forces and UNIFIL personnel be stationed in southern Lebanon.
The contributing nations reiterated their support for UNIFIL’s mission of maintaining stability and peace in the region. Leaders from France, Italy, and Spain echoed these sentiments at a recent summit, highlighting that the attacks on peacekeepers violate Resolution 1701 and must end.
