UN Peacekeeping Mission Reports Israeli Forces Targeted Their Positions, Injuring Peacekeepers

 

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, reported on Thursday that Israeli forces intentionally targeted its positions, wounding two peacekeepers. This incident, involving Israeli incursions into Lebanon amid its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, has sparked renewed accusations of violations of international law.

Israel has been conducting ground operations along the Lebanon border as the war that began in Gaza a year ago has expanded across the region. The attacks on UNIFIL have led to widespread condemnation from countries contributing troops to the mission, as Israel faces scrutiny over potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

A UN report released the same day accused Israel of systematically dismantling Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, stating this could be classified as war crimes and extermination, crimes against humanity. This report, authored by a UN expert panel led by former human rights commissioner Navi Pillay, highlighted the devastation wrought on medical personnel and facilities during the war that followed a Hamas attack in October of last year.

The peacekeepers injured in Thursday’s attack, both from Indonesia, were struck when an Israeli tank fired on an observation tower in UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura. “The injuries are fortunately not serious, but they remain in the hospital,” UNIFIL said, calling this a “grave violation” of international law. The mission indicated that Israeli soldiers had also fired at a UN observation post near Labbouneh, damaging vehicles and communications systems.

UNIFIL emphasized that the attacks appeared to be deliberate, noting that an Israeli drone was seen flying inside the UN position before the strikes. The mission also reported that Israeli forces had earlier targeted a UN facility used for meetings with Israeli and Lebanese officers prior to the outbreak of hostilities.

The Irish government, with troops stationed in Lebanon, condemned the attacks. Other nations with forces in UNIFIL, including France, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Ghana, expressed similar outrage. Italy’s defense minister called the attacks “totally unacceptable,” and France’s foreign ministry demanded an explanation from Israel.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) defended their actions, stating that Hezbollah operates in civilian areas near UNIFIL posts, which prompted their strikes. However, UN officials maintain that such actions violate international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the peacekeeping mission.

These incidents follow heightened tensions between Israeli forces and UN peacekeepers, with a standoff occurring earlier in the week when Israeli armored vehicles surrounded a UN post along the border.

As the situation intensifies, international concern over Israel’s conduct in both Lebanon and Gaza continues to grow, with various judicial bodies considering charges of war crimes against Israeli officials. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate, impacting civilians and peacekeepers alike.