In a development that raises concern regarding dealing with international forces, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced a series of disturbing incidents, including attacks and obstruction by the Israeli army, targeting its vehicles and movements along the “Blue Line.”
In a statement, UNIFIL said that Israeli army soldiers today rammed two of its vehicles using a Merkava tank, resulting in one case in severe damage. This coincided with the closure of a road in the town of Bayada, which is a vital road used by the international force to reach its sites.
UNIFIL added that last week witnessed the firing of “warning shots” in the area, and these shots hit its clearly marked vehicles. She referred to a serious incident where one of the bullets landed just one meter away from a peacekeeper after he got off his vehicle.
UNIFIL confirmed that Israeli forces continued to obstruct the movement of peacekeepers in recent days, and recorded numerous cases of restriction of freedom of movement in various areas. Its sites were also subjected to direct targeting, including the destruction of the Protection Force cameras at its general headquarters in Naqoura, in addition to five other sites on the “Blue Line” extending from Ras Naqoura to Maroun al-Ras.
It also drew attention to another incident that occurred yesterday, in which paint was sprayed on the windows of the pedestrian entrance gate of its headquarters, blocking the view of the surrounding area.
UNIFIL strongly emphasized that these actions contradict Israel’s obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as its duty to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers and their freedom of movement. It warned that these violations hinder its ability to carry out its tasks and monitor violations on the ground.
The international force stressed that it will remain in its positions and continue to perform its duties with complete impartiality, and will submit its reports to the Security Council regarding any documented violations.
This statement comes in light of the escalation of tension on the southern border, where field frictions are increasing, putting the missions of peacekeeping forces facing increasing challenges as the scope of the confrontation expands.
