According to a UNIFIL statement, two UN soldiers were wounded when an Israeli army tank fired on an observation tower at the mission’s headquarters in Nakura, on Israel’s southern border. The injured are in hospital. According to information provided by the Austrian Armed Forces to ORF, the injured soldiers are not from Austria.
Another attack hit the entrance to the bunker, where the UN Soldiers demanded protection. United Nations vehicles and communications systems were also damaged. Israeli soldiers reportedly fired on surveillance cameras on Wednesday. A UNIFIL spokesperson said the area had already been hit several times.
UN: Peacekeepers ‘at high risk’
“We remind the IDF (Israeli army, ed.) and all actors of their obligation to ensure the safety of UN personnel and assets and to respect the integrity of the UN compound at all times,” the UN commented. Any deliberate attack is a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
UN in Lebanon The security of peacekeepers is “highly at risk” and operational activities have been virtually at a standstill since September 23, the UN said. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of the UN peacekeeping force, told the UN on Thursday. before the Security Council.
Israel: UNIFIL to move north
In the evening, the Israeli army announced in a statement that troops were in the Nakura area. Hezbollah uses the UN for its own purposes. He accused them of using areas near work sites. The army operates from southern Lebanon and nearby civilian areas. The army had instructed the UN forces in the area to remain in protected areas. Then the fire was opened. The military also announced that it is in constant contact with UNIFIL.
Israel is focusing on the fight against Hezbollah and it is recommended that the UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon be moved five kilometers north, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon said on Thursday.
Participation from Austria
The UNIFIL mission has been monitoring the border area since 1978, involving more than 10,000 UN troops and civilian forces from around 50 countries – including around 170 from Austria. Austrians are used primarily to plan and execute traffic, not as guards. Indonesia, Italy and India are the largest troop contributors.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 from 2006 significantly expanded the mandate of the Blue Helmet Force. Since then, the UN mission has been responsible for monitoring the ceasefire and supporting border security in the border area reached after the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Since the mission began, more than 300 emergency workers have died.
Concern over Israeli actions
A few days ago, the UN The embassy expressed “deep concern” over Israeli military operations in the “immediate vicinity” of one of its posts. She refers to an attack near Marun al-Ras, a border area further east of Naqura.
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) was “very alarmed”. Defense Minister Claudia Tanner (ÖVP) insisted that no risk to Austrian troops, even accidental, would be accepted. The SPÖ’s foreign policy spokeswoman Petra Bayer was concerned. A member of the National Council said that the deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a serious violation of international law.
The US expressed deep concern over the reports from Lebanon and demanded explanations from Israel.
International outrage
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, a few days ago, strongly criticized Israel’s actions. Israel’s military threatened the peacekeepers and wanted to bring them to safety. Israel demands that the entire UNIFIL mission leave the border area.
The Italian Defense Ministry issued a note of condemnation against Israel on Thursday. Attacks on UN posts are completely unacceptable and violate international law: “These incidents are unacceptable and must be carefully and firmly avoided,” said Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.
The French Foreign Ministry is awaiting explanations from Israeli officials about the incident: “The protection of peacekeepers applies to all parties involved in the conflict.” “Unacceptable act”.
Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire
As mutual attacks between the Israeli army and Hezbollah continue, the caretaker government in Lebanon is seeking a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah through diplomatic contacts with the United States and France. UN to stop Israeli attacks and work towards temporary ceasefire The aim is to increase pressure before the meeting of the Security Council.
