According to the mission, while the peacekeepers were in the shelter at around 4:30 a.m. (local time), two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate and entered the camp.
“They requested several times to turn off the lights at the base,” UNIFIL said in a statement.
The tanks left about 45 minutes after the mission protested through its liaison mechanism that the IDF’s presence was endangering peacekeepers.
At about 6:40, peacekeepers at the same location reported several smoking artillery shells fired 100 meters (about 110 yards) to the north.
“Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers suffered symptoms including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions after smoke entered the camp,” UNIFIL reported.
The affected peacekeeper is receiving medical treatment.
Established by the UN Security Council, UNIFIL is tasked with monitoring a cessation of hostilities following the war between Israel and Hezbollah, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the region. .
security incident
Sunday’s progress comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with five U.N. peacekeepers wounded and U.N. posts and buildings damaged.
This includes peacekeepers at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, who came under fire during nearby military activity on Friday night. The bullet was successfully removed after surgery, but the cause of the fire is unknown, according to the mission. Also that night, a building at a UNIFIL position in Ramyah “suffered significant damage” from an explosion caused by nearby artillery fire.
On Saturday, IDF soldiers halted a vital UNIFIL logistics movement near Meiss ej Jebel, denying it passage and preventing its completion.
“For the fourth time in as many days, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN buildings at all times,” UNIFIL said.
‘Shocking violation’
He emphasized that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers, violations of UN status and entry into the UN are serious violations of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).
“UNIFIL’s mandate guarantees freedom of movement in its area of operation and any restrictions on this are (again) a violation,” he added.
“We have requested an explanation from the IDF for these shocking violations.”
