Escalating Tensions: UNIFIL Reports Israeli Tanks Breaching Base in Lebanon
UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, reported a serious escalation in tensions on Sunday, as two Israeli tanks reportedly stormed one of its bases in Ramyah. The incursion, described by UNIFIL as a blatant violation of international law, coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demands for the immediate withdrawal of UN troops from the region, whom he accused of acting as a human shield for Hezbollah.
According to UNIFIL, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. Italian time), during which soldiers were seeking shelter when the Israeli tanks broke through the main entrance of the base. The tank crews repeatedly requested that lights be turned on before they exited the premises about 45 minutes later. UNIFIL officials voiced concerns that this presence endangered their personnel.
Later in the morning, around 6:40 a.m., soldiers at the UN mission heard multiple gunshots approximately 100 meters from their position, followed by smoke that eventually drifted into the camp. In an alarming turn of events, 15 soldiers developed skin irritations and gastrointestinal symptoms as a result, necessitating medical treatment.
This incident marks the fourth consecutive day that UNIFIL has raised alarms about the safety of its personnel and the inviolability of its premises. The ongoing violence has seen at least four UN personnel injured in recent days, attributed to actions taken by the Israeli army. On Friday, one soldier was injured, though it remains unclear who was responsible for the attack.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the situation with Netanyahu on the same day the tanks breached UNIFIL's base. According to a statement from her office, Meloni expressed her strong disapproval of attacks on UNIFIL forces, underscoring the absolute necessity for the safety of the mission’s personnel.
Additionally, a coalition of 40 countries contributing to the UNIFIL mission issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning the recent actions of the Israeli army. They called for an immediate cessation of such hostilities and a comprehensive investigation into the events. The governments of Italy, France, and Spain have all condemned the attacks on UN bases, labeling them unjustifiable. France and Spain have specifically called for a halt to arms exports to Israel in light of these troubling developments.
The ongoing conflict in the region continues to pose major challenges for both UN peacekeeping forces and local communities, with international demands for accountability and the safety of peacekeepers growing ever more urgent. As tensions heighten, the future role of UNIFIL in maintaining peace and stability in southern Lebanon is increasingly uncertain.
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