Official statements or policy changes by the Israeli government

Israel Fires on UNIFIL Naqoura HQ; Sri Lankan Peacekeepers Injured in 'Deliberate' Attacks

Oct 11, 2024, 01:02 PM

Israeli military forces have fired upon United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) positions in southern Lebanon over a 24-hour period, injuring several peacekeepers, according to UN sources. On Wednesday, an Israeli tank reportedly fired at a watchtower at UNIFIL's main base in Naqoura, resulting in two peacekeepers being hospitalized due to injuries sustained from a fall after the strike. UNIFIL called the attacks 'deliberate' and stated that the Israeli military 'deliberately fired at and disabled' UN security cameras. The United Nations condemned the attacks, calling them a grave violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701, which governs the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that its troops operated near the UNIFIL base in Naqoura and that during combat operations against Hezbollah, they identified an 'immediate threat' and returned fire, inadvertently hitting UNIFIL positions. The IDF stated that they had instructed UN forces to remain in protected spaces prior to the incident and expressed deep concern over the unintended harm to peacekeepers, conducting a thorough review at the highest levels of command. Multiple countries, including France, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, Germany, and Ireland, have condemned the attacks on UN peacekeepers. The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces described the Israeli strike that injured two peacekeepers as an 'egregious violation' and 'not an accidental act.' Indonesia reported that two of its soldiers serving with UNIFIL were injured in the incidents. Amnesty International and other organizations have called for urgent investigations, labeling the attacks as potential 'war crimes.' UNIFIL stated that its Naqoura headquarters was affected by explosions for the second time in 48 hours. On Friday, two peacekeepers were injured after explosions occurred close to an observation tower. One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the other was treated locally. The injured peacekeepers included personnel from Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The incidents have raised international alarm and calls for accountability, with the UN emphasizing that any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is prohibited under international humanitarian law.