UNIFIL issues statement after two peacekeepers injured by “Israeli” army

The United Nations mission in Lebanon “UNIFIL” issued a statement after two of its peacekeepers were injured by two explosions by the “Israeli” army fire today in the south.

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“Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower. One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is being treated in Naqoura,” the statement said, noting that this is the second incident where “Israeli” soldiers opened fire on UNIFIL forces in the last 48 hours.

It said that several walls near the Blue Line in Labbouneh fell down when an “Israeli” military caterpillar hit the perimeter and tanks moved in proximity to the UNIFIL unit.

“These incidents put again UN peacekeepers, who are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the Security Council under resolution 1701 (2006), at very serious risks,” the statement warned.

“This is a serious development, and UNFIL reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006),” it concluded.

The UK government condemned the incident, and urged all parties in the conflict to "comply with international law".

"We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected," a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters.