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Israeli forces target UN peacekeepers amid escalating conflict in Lebanon


Published : 10 Oct 2024 10:11 PM

Israeli forces fired on two positions used by U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Thursday, following an incident the day before. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that two peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank struck a watchtower at their headquarters in Naqoura. No injuries were reported in the other incidents.

UNIFIL condemned the attacks, stating, "Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law," and indicated it was in contact with the Israeli military.

The Israeli military has not yet commented. Their operations in Lebanon have intensified, targeting the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. The conflict escalated sharply after Hezbollah supported Hamas during the Gaza war last year, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes and ground operations across Lebanon.

Lebanon's caretaking prime minister, Najib Mikati, announced ongoing discussions between the U.S. and France to revive a ceasefire. There was no immediate response from Washington or Paris. The situation remains tense, particularly after an Iranian missile strike last week. Gulf states are urging the U.S. to prevent Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities, fearing retaliation against their own assets. In a recent call, U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed potential retaliatory actions against Iran. Israel claims its operations aim to facilitate the return of tens of thousands of Israelis who evacuated northern areas due to Hezbollah rocket fire. Recent Israeli attacks have displaced over 1 million people in Lebanon.

UNIFIL detailed that an Israeli Merkava tank targeted an observation post in Naqoura, damaging vehicles and communication systems. 

Additionally, an Israeli drone was reported flying near a UN position.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for missile attacks on Israeli forces on Thursday, asserting they hit targets while the Israelis were attempting to recover casualties.

Established in 1978 and expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL includes contributions from countries like France, Italy, and Ghana.

In the past year, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 2,100 deaths, primarily in recent weeks, according to the Lebanese health ministry. 

This toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Conversely, cross-border fire from Hezbollah has claimed 53 lives in Israel, more than half of whom were civilians.