UN Calls for Urgent Action as Israeli Army Strikes UNIFIL Bases in Southern Lebanon
In alarming developments, the United Nations has reported that the Israeli army has conducted multiple strikes on several bases of the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to two personnel. The UNIFIL mission, which has been operational since 1978, aims to oversee and ensure adherence to the border agreements between Israel and Lebanon, promoting a stable and peaceful coexistence between the two nations.
The attacks took place in the context of escalating clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, the Lebanese political and militant group, which have intensified dramatically over the past ten days.
Andrea Tenenti, a spokesperson for the UNIFIL mission, confirmed the attacks to the news agency ANSA. Notably, two of the three targeted bases are under the management of Italian military personnel, while the third base serves as the mission’s main headquarters. Fortunately, none of the injured personnel belong to the Italian contingent, which consists of over a thousand members.
On Thursday, UNIFIL reported that an Israeli tank fired upon an observation tower located in Naqura, a region near the Israeli border. This assault led to two operators being injured; although they have been hospitalized, their injuries are not classified as serious. Reports from Lebanese military sources indicate that the injured individuals hold Indonesian nationality.
The UNIFIL headquarters in Naqura has experienced repeated strikes from the Israeli army, with confirmation of attacks on a third base in Labbouneh, just a few kilometers from the frontline. These assaults resulted in damage to various vehicles and communication systems. Additionally, the Israeli forces reportedly targeted and damaged security cameras at the bases in a deliberate act to compromise surveillance.
Most of the ongoing hostilities between the Israeli army and Hezbollah have concentrated around the Blue Line, a demarcation line that serves as the functional border between Israel and Lebanon. This area is fraught with historical territorial disputes and remains a focal point of tension, necessitating close monitoring by the UNIFIL mission.
In light of these events, the UNIFIL mission emphasized that any intentional attacks against personnel involved in peacekeeping efforts violate established international humanitarian law.
In response to the escalating situation, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has urgently summoned Jonathan Peled, the Israeli ambassador to Italy, for discussions regarding the attacks, underscoring the seriousness of the matter and the need for diplomatic engagement.
These recent developments illustrate the precarious security situation in the region and raise significant concerns about the safety of peacekeeping operations amidst continued hostilities. The international community is now being called upon to address these violations and ensure the protection of those working to maintain peace in conflict zones.
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