UN Protests Against Israel's Destruction Of UNIFIL Fence And Structure In Lebanon

The United Nations has formally protested to Israel following the destruction of UN property by Israeli military equipment. Two excavators and a bulldozer damaged a fence and a concrete structure at a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) site in Ras Al Naqoura.

In its statement, UNIFIL described the incident as a clear violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The Israeli army, however, denied any activity within the UNIFIL premises when confronted with the protest.

The UN emphasized that all parties, including the Israeli military, must ensure the safety of UN personnel and respect the sanctity of its sites. This obligation is crucial for maintaining peace and security in the region.

Since 30th September, Israel has repeatedly asked peacekeepers to leave their positions near the Blue Line for safety reasons. This request has been made several times, raising concerns about ongoing tensions in the area.

The statement also highlighted seven similar incidents where Israeli forces targeted UN facilities in Lebanon. These actions are seen as deliberate attempts to undermine UN operations in the region.

This week, two blue barrels marking the withdrawal line between Lebanon and Israel were intentionally removed by Israeli forces. Peacekeepers witnessed one barrel being taken away directly by the military.

Commitment to Monitoring Duties

Despite these pressures from Israel, UN peacekeepers remain committed to their monitoring duties as outlined by Resolution 1701. They continue to report on developments despite unacceptable challenges from various channels.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon, with international law violations adding complexity to peacekeeping efforts. The UN's firm stance highlights its dedication to maintaining stability in this sensitive region.

With inputs from WAM