Israel Fired on Peacekeepers in Lebanon, U.N. Says
The United Nations has accused Israel of firing on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, in a troubling escalation of tensions in the region. The incident occurred on July 26, when Israeli forces reportedly launched artillery shells towards a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol near the border.
According to a statement issued by UNIFIL, the peacekeepers were conducting a routine patrol in the vicinity of the border town of Mays al-Jabal when they came under direct fire from Israeli forces. The peacekeepers were forced to take cover and return fire in self-defense. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among the peacekeepers.
UNIFIL has condemned the incident, calling it a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. The peacekeeping mission has stressed the need for all parties to respect the safety and security of UN personnel operating in the region.
Israel has disputed the claims made by UNIFIL, stating that its forces were responding to gunfire from the Lebanese side of the border. The Israeli military has accused the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of using UNIFIL peacekeepers as shields during attacks on Israeli forces.
The incident has further heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, where sporadic clashes have occurred between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in recent months. The Lebanese government has called for an investigation into the incident and has condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.
The United Nations has called for maximum restraint from all parties and has urged them to refrain from any actions that could further escalate the situation. The safety and security of UN personnel in Lebanon must be guaranteed, and any attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable.
The firing on peacekeepers in Lebanon is a troubling development that underscores the fragility of the situation in the region. It is imperative that all parties show respect for international law and the mandates of UN peacekeeping missions. The United Nations remains committed to working towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in southern Lebanon and calls on all parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further violence.