The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned recent Israeli attacks on its peacekeeping bases in southern Lebanon, calling them a breach of international humanitarian law. According to Andrea Tenenti, a spokesperson for UNIFIL, the attacks occurred near the Israeli-Lebanese border, raising serious concerns about their deliberate nature.
In an interview with the BBC, Tenenti stated that UNIFIL is still assessing whether the incidents constitute war crimes, but described them as a “very serious development and a very serious violation.” Over the past few days, several attacks targeted UNIFIL installations, including an observation tower and lighting inside a base. Two peacekeepers were injured in the most recent attack.
“It looks more of a deliberate attack against our troops, who have been in the south to try to bring back stability at the moment, and it’s very, very challenging,” Tenenti said, highlighting the complexity of the situation. He questioned how the Israeli military, known for its precision and preparedness, could have made such errors. “How can this be a mistake from an army that is pretty well prepared, and they know what they’re doing?” he added.
The incidents include explosions near an observation tower earlier today, which are still under investigation to determine responsibility. Tenenti also mentioned that Israel had asked UN peacekeepers to pull back from the border last week, a request that UNIFIL declined.
When asked if he believes Israel is trying to push the peacekeepers out of the region, Tenenti acknowledged that some might interpret the attacks in this way, though the UN has no intention of evacuating any of its 29 posts along the “Blue Line”—the UN-recognized demarcation between Israel and Lebanon.
UNIFIL’s presence in southern Lebanon, aimed at maintaining stability along the tense border, remains crucial as tensions in the area escalate. Despite the attacks, the peacekeeping force has affirmed its commitment to stay in place and continue its mission.
