UN confirms Israel is deliberately targeting peacekeepers in southern Lebanon
By richardbrown // 2024-10-24
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A spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed on Oct. 18 that Israeli forces are intentionally targeting UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said these attacks are deliberate, contradicting claims made by Israeli officials. He detailed multiple targeted incidents, including direct strikes on the control tower in the small city of Naqoura, where the main headquarters of UNIFIL is located, that resulted in injuries to two peacekeepers. Additional incidents involved assaults on UNIFIL's communication systems and surveillance cameras, and a recent incursion into a UNIFIL headquarters, where Israeli troops reportedly remained for 45 minutes. (Related: UN under fire in Lebanon: Israeli tank fired at peacekeepers' watchtower.) Tenenti emphasized that these actions violate UN Resolution 1701 and breach international law. UN troops were initially deployed to the area, known as the "Blue Line," following Israel's 1978 invasion of Lebanon. He noted that due to continuous shelling, UN forces have had to spend long hours in shelters, raising concerns about their operational capacity. Despite Israeli requests for UNIFIL to relocate some positions along the Blue Line, Tenenti reaffirmed the mission's commitment to maintaining its presence all along the Israel-Lebanon border. "The UN flag must remain there," Tenenti said, highlighting the importance of their visibility in the region. He also conveyed that morale among peacekeeping forces remains high, even as they navigate the dangers presented by the escalating violence. Israel has intensified its bombing campaign in southern Lebanon over the past three weeks, leading to widespread destruction and the displacement of thousands. Many residents from the south have fled to safer areas such as Saida, Beirut and Tripoli, while those unable to afford housing are taking refuge in schools, mosques, parks and streets. Tenenti remarked that the devastation in southern Lebanon resembles the destruction seen in Gaza, with significant damage inflicted on towns and villages.

More and more nations condemning Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers

In a related development, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited Beirut, during which time she called for the strengthening of UNIFIL. Meloni also condemned the targeting of UNIFIL by Israeli forces. "I consider targeting UNIFIL unacceptable," she said. UNIFIL, comprising about 10,000 personnel – including over 1,000 Italian peacekeepers – has faced increasing attacks. Tenenti reiterated that while most patrols have been suspended due to deteriorating security, the mission remains committed to monitoring the situation and delivering humanitarian aid. Amid the escalating conflict, Hezbollah announced it is entering a new phase in its operations against Israeli forces, stating that its fighters are now employing advanced weaponry, including precision-guided missiles and explosive drones. The group declared it had launched an attack on Israeli soldiers in the occupied city of Safed, following assaults on Lebanese villages. In response to Hezbollah's actions, the Israeli military has called up an additional reserve brigade for operational missions in northern Israel. The ongoing violence has resulted in significant casualties, with the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reporting over 2,000 deaths in the past year due to Israeli attacks, and more than 1 million people displaced from their homes in eastern and southern Lebanon. As the situation continues to deteriorate, both local and international calls for a diplomatic resolution grow increasingly urgent. Watch this clip of UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani condemning Israel for threatening Lebanon with "Gaza-like" destruction. This video is from the channel Treasure of the Sun on Brighteon.com.

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