The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Friday that the Israeli military demolished part of a fence and a concrete structure at a UNIFIL site in the Ras Naqoura area of southern Lebanon. UNIFIL condemned the actions as a clear violation of international law and UN Resolution 1701.
"Yesterday, two IDF (Israeli military) excavators and one bulldozer destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure at a UNIFIL position in Ras Naqoura," the organization stated. Following UNIFIL’s immediate protest, the Israeli army denied any activity was taking place within the UNIFIL area.
UNIFIL noted that the "deliberate and direct destruction of clearly identifiable UNIFIL property is a flagrant violation of international law and UN Resolution 1701.” Adopted on August 11, 2006, Resolution 1701 calls for a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and establishes a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line—the de facto border between the two countries—and the Litani River, permitting only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL to operate military equipment within the area.
"We remind the Israeli army and all parties of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times," UNIFIL added.
UNIFIL also disclosed that, since September 30, the Israeli army has repeatedly urged peacekeepers to vacate their positions near the Blue Line for "their safety." UNIFIL emphasized that “yesterday’s incident, like seven other similar incidents, was not an unintended consequence of crossfire but deliberate and direct action by the army.”
The tension escalated further on Thursday when five UNIFIL peacekeepers were injured in an Israeli strike near a military checkpoint in Sidon, southern Lebanon. In recent weeks, several peacekeepers have sustained injuries from Israeli attacks, which UNIFIL has termed “deliberate,” prompting international condemnation. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has even suggested that one of these attacks might constitute a “war crime.”
In response to the incidents, Israel’s permanent representative to the UN, Danny Danon, proposed relocating UNIFIL positions 5 kilometers (3 miles) north, deeper into Lebanese territory. Farhan Haq, Deputy UN Spokesperson, replied that UNIFIL will continue to operate in its current location in line with its mandate.
Since late September, Israel has launched an extensive air campaign in Lebanon, which it claims targets Hezbollah. This marks an escalation in long-standing cross-border hostilities intensified by the Gaza conflict. Lebanese health authorities report over 3,100 fatalities and more than 13,800 injuries due to Israeli attacks since October 2023. Israel also initiated a ground offensive in southern Lebanon on October 1.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Bd-Pratidin English/ Jisan
