{"id":25645,"date":"2024-11-01T00:03:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T22:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=25645"},"modified":"2024-10-31T21:24:20","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T19:24:20","slug":"israeli-army-deliberately-attacked-peacekeeping-missions-in-lebanon-over-30-times-in-october-un-reports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/israeli-army-deliberately-attacked-peacekeeping-missions-in-lebanon-over-30-times-in-october-un-reports\/","title":{"rendered":"Israeli Army deliberately attacked peacekeeping missions in Lebanon over 30 times in October, UN reports"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>5 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported over 30 incidents in October that caused property damage or injuries to its soldiers, as Israel continued to urge peacekeepers to vacate their positions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A press release by the UNIFIL reported that Israeli forces \u201cdeliberately demolished\u201d a UN watchtower and fence at the Marwahin site, underscoring the increasing violence directed toward their positions. \u201cYet again, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times,\u201d the mission stated, urging the IDF to halt its aggressive stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to UNIFIL, incidents such as these are flagrant violations of international law, which mandates the protection of peacekeeping forces under all circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent weeks have seen a series of alarming confrontations between the IDF and UNIFIL. Only days ago, a UNIFIL watchtower near Kafer Kela was struck by an IDF Merkava tank, which destroyed two cameras and inflicted significant structural damage on the tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Lebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Lebanon<\/a>, more than 2,000 people have died and 800,000 have been forced to flee in recent weeks as shelling continues. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UNIFIL_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@UNIFIL_<\/a> Spokesperson briefed reporters in NY from Beirut, pointing out that statistics cannot convey the human toll of the conflict. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/sblryxMx96\">pic.twitter.com\/sblryxMx96<\/a><\/p>&mdash; UN News (@UN_News_Centre) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UN_News_Centre\/status\/1851723247768703449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 30, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><br>UNIFIL described the attack as \u201cdirect and deliberate,\u201d a grave charge that raises questions about the safety and future of the mission along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated border between Israel and Lebanon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Attacks on UNIFIL mission<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UNIFIL recorded over 30 security incidents in October alone, with approximately 20 attributable to IDF actions, including seven instances described as clearly intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Andrea Tenenti, UNIFIL&#8217;s spokesperson, explained at a news conference, \u201cWhat has been very concerning are incidents where peacekeepers performing their monitoring tasks, as well as our cameras, lighting, and entire watchtowers, have been deliberately targeted by the [Israeli military].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tenenti further condemned the actions of both Israeli forces and Hezbollah, saying, \u201cThe actions of both the Israeli military and Hezbollah are putting peacekeepers in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On October 29, a rocket struck UNIFIL\u2019s headquarters in Naqoura, Lebanon. The impact set a vehicle workshop ablaze and caused minor injuries to eight Austrian soldiers stationed there. Austria\u2019s Ministry of Defense condemned the incident \u201cin the strongest possible terms,\u201d demanding an immediate investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-Lebanon.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-Lebanon.jpg?resize=1016%2C732&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"UN peacekeepers in Lebanon\" class=\"wp-image-25649\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-Lebanon.jpg?resize=1024%2C738&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-Lebanon.jpg?resize=300%2C216&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-Lebanon.jpg?resize=768%2C554&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-Lebanon.jpg?resize=234%2C169&amp;ssl=1 234w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-Lebanon.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>UN peacekeepers from around 50 countries are providing support to Lebanese people and ensuring safe access to humanitarian aid to people displaced or still in their homes in southern Lebanon. (Image Credit: UNIFIL\/via X)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The latest clashes are reminiscent of past hostilities, but the intensity and frequency of the attacks on UN positions signify an alarming trend of targeted violence against peacekeepers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the peacekeepers have sustained physical injuries and property damage, UNIFIL\u2019s statement emphasized their commitment to maintaining their mandated positions along the Blue Line, despite repeated calls from the Israeli government to evacuate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The IDF contends that UNIFIL\u2019s presence indirectly supports Hezbollah\u2019s operations, and it has pressed for their withdrawal under the pretext of security. Nonetheless, UNIFIL insists on continuing its work to \u201cmonitor and report\u201d violations along the border, including supporting the safe passage of humanitarian aid, a necessity for Lebanon\u2019s struggling population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>International push for de-escalation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lebanon\u2019s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has hinted at possible diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. In a recent televised interview, Mikati mentioned a conversation with U.S. Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein&nbsp;about a potential ceasefire. Hochstein\u2019s scheduled visit to Israel and CIA Director William Burns\u2019s concurrent trip to Egypt also indicate an American-led diplomatic push to mitigate the situation, although details remain uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mounting confrontations have drawn reactions from global leaders. UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres reiterated his \u201cdeep concern\u201d over the assaults on peacekeepers, warning that attacks on UN personnel constitute breaches of international law and may even qualify as war crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-forces-in-Lebanon.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-forces-in-Lebanon.jpg?resize=1016%2C750&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"UN peacekeepers in Lebanon\" class=\"wp-image-25648\" style=\"width:839px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-forces-in-Lebanon.jpg?resize=1024%2C756&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-forces-in-Lebanon.jpg?resize=300%2C221&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-forces-in-Lebanon.jpg?resize=768%2C567&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-forces-in-Lebanon.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>UN peacekeepers remain in all positions in south Lebanon, despite enormous challenges and pressures. (Image Credit: UN\/X\/@aroldo_lazaro)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Guterres pointed out that the \u201csafety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed\u201d by all parties involved, without exception. The Secretary-General\u2019s comments highlight the severe implications of the ongoing violence, stressing the potential legal repercussions for nations that violate UN resolutions and endanger peacekeepers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UN\u2019s calls for restraint, however, appear to have fallen on deaf ears. Tensions continue to simmer along the Blue Line, and with Hezbollah\u2019s increasing aggression and Israel\u2019s uncompromising stance on Hezbollah\u2019s influence in Lebanon, the safety of UNIFIL personnel remains precarious. Both sides seem poised for further escalation, and the political landscape offers little room for optimism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As UNIFIL struggles to uphold its mandate in the face of rising danger, the world watches closely, hoping that diplomatic efforts will prevail over the ever-looming threat of intensified conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The situation has put the mission\u2019s personnel in an unenviable position\u2014unarmed peacekeepers working within an intensifying war zone, with limited protection against the crossfire. Whether recent talks led by U.S. envoys can lay the groundwork for a ceasefire remains uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, UNIFIL\u2019s troops stand resilient, committed to their mission, yet increasingly vulnerable to attacks from both sides in this precarious chapter of Lebanon-Israel relations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smoke-rises-in-Khiam-Lebanon.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"370\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smoke-rises-in-Khiam-Lebanon.jpg?resize=690%2C370&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Smoke rises after attack in Khiam, Lebanon\" class=\"wp-image-25474\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smoke-rises-in-Khiam-Lebanon.jpg?w=690&amp;ssl=1 690w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smoke-rises-in-Khiam-Lebanon.jpg?resize=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Smoke rises after the Israeli attack in Khiam, Lebanon, on October 20, 2024. (Image Credit: Reuters\/Karamallah Daher)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported over 30 incidents in October that caused property damage or injuries to its soldiers, as Israel continued to urge peacekeepers to vacate their positions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25647,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[44,1],"tags":[75,60,26,32,356,5,389,113,17,478,625],"class_list":["post-25645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-middle-east","category-news","tag-conflict","tag-humanitarian-crisis","tag-israel","tag-lebanon","tag-middle-east","tag-military","tag-peacekeeping","tag-security","tag-un","tag-un-peacekeeping","tag-united-nations"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UN-peacekeeping-forces-Lebanon.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-6FD","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25645"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25645\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25653,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25645\/revisions\/25653"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}