UNIFIL Condemns Israeli Attack on UN Base in Southern Lebanon, Cites Serious Violations

Beirut (Quds News Network)- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned a series of violations by Israeli forces, including the forced entry of Israel’s army into a UN position in Ramyah early on Sunday morning. UNIFIL reported that three platoons of Israeli soldiers crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon at approximately 4:30 a.m., with two Merkava tanks breaching the base’s main gate while peacekeepers were in shelters. The tanks remained inside the UN position for 45 minutes before leaving following protests by UNIFIL through its liaison mechanism, citing concerns for the safety of peacekeepers.

Later, at 6:40 a.m., peacekeepers at the same Ramyah position reported the firing of multiple rounds that landed 100 meters north of the base. Smoke emitted from the rounds entered the camp, affecting 15 peacekeepers who experienced symptoms including skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues. The peacekeepers were treated for these reactions after donning protective masks in response to the smoke.

In addition to the incident in Ramyah, UNIFIL stated that Israeli forces blocked a critical logistical movement near Meiss ej Jabal the previous day, denying passage and preventing the completion of a vital UN mission.

UNIFIL condemned these actions, reminding the Israeli army and all parties of their obligations to respect the safety and security of UN personnel and property. The statement reiterated that the inviolability of UN premises must be upheld at all times and emphasized that any breach of a UN position constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

“Breaching and entering a UN position is a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” the statement read. “We have requested an explanation from the IDF for these shocking violations.”

These developments come on the heels of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threat earlier on Sunday, calling for the immediate evacuation of UNIFIL forces from southern Lebanon. Netanyahu claimed that the peacekeepers were at risk of becoming “hostages of Hezbollah” and urged their withdrawal from combat areas.

UNIFIL’s mandate, established under Resolution 1701, provides for the freedom of movement for its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, and any restriction of this movement is a violation of the resolution. Despite condemnations from European nations like France and Italy over recent attacks on UNIFIL, the situation remains tense as Israel continues attacks on Lebanon, raising concerns about potential escalation.