GAZA: UN peacekeepers reported that an Israeli attack on their headquarters in southern Lebanon injured two Blue Helmets, drawing condemnation from European countries involved in the mission.
Israel confirmed its forces had opened fire in the vicinity, claiming it was targeting Hezbollah militants who, it said, operate close to UN posts. Italy, a major contributor to the peacekeeping force, suggested the attack “could constitute war crimes,” while the United States expressed “deep concern” over the incident.
The strike follows UNIFIL’s refusal last week to comply with Israeli demands to relocate from certain positions. UNIFIL, which fields around 10,000 peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, has called for a ceasefire since tensions escalated on September 23 between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to UNIFIL, an Israeli Merkava tank fired directly at an observation tower at the mission’s headquarters in Naqura, causing two Indonesian peacekeepers to fall from the structure. While their injuries were not serious, they remain hospitalized.
Indonesia’s UN ambassador, Hari Prabowo, condemned the attack, criticizing Israel for allegedly placing itself above international law.
The Israeli military stated it had alerted UNIFIL to take shelter prior to the attack. Italy’s defense minister demanded an explanation, asserting that these actions by Israel were intentional and “not a mistake.”
