UNIFIL Confirms Israeli Tank Fire Targeting Peacekeepers' Watchtower In Southern Lebanon

The United Nations has reported that a UN peacekeeping site was "apparently deliberately" targeted by Israeli forces on Wednesday. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that early Wednesday morning, peacekeepers near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower, resulting in damage to the tower and destruction of two cameras.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, confirmed that Israeli forces attacked Nabatieh in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, including its municipal building. She highlighted that this incident is part of a pattern where civilians and infrastructure are targeted across Lebanon. "Today’s reported killing of a humanitarian first responder is, tragically, part of this pattern," she noted.

The UN official emphasised that violations of international humanitarian law are unacceptable. She stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times. "As the theatre and intensity of the exchanges of fire continue to expand, civilian suffering is reaching unprecedented heights," she said.

Meanwhile, intense exchanges along the "Blue Line" separating Israel and Lebanon have persisted over the past 24 hours, according to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. He reported that UNIFIL recorded 58 air violations within a single day, marking the highest count since October 8 last year.

Additionally, 1,279 projectiles were detected across the Blue Line—1,208 from south heading north and 71 from north heading south. Dujarric mentioned that indirect fire near UN positions caused material damage to equipment and facilities near Dayr Amis in Sector West and Shab’a in Sector East.

UN Urges Ceasefire for Regional Stability

Hennis-Plasschaert urged all involved parties to cease fire immediately and pursue diplomatic solutions for regional stability. She stated that military solutions cannot ensure safety or security along the Blue Line. "It is time for all concerned actors to immediately cease their fire and open the door to diplomatic solutions capable of realising the needs of citizens," she said.

Dujarric reiterated that no peacekeepers were injured in recent incidents but stressed the ongoing risk they face. He emphasised the importance of ensuring safety for UN personnel and property by all parties involved.

With inputs from WAM