Israel Demands UNIFIL Forces Withdraw 5 km North

Israel Demands UNIFIL Forces Withdraw 5 km North
Israel's deliberate targeting of UNIFIL positions aims to reduce the role of international forces in the region, potentially weakening ceasefire monitoring mechanisms between the parties
October 11, 2024, 12:02 am

قوة اليونيفيل لبنان

In a new development of the escalating crisis on the Lebanese-Israeli border, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, called on Thursday for UNIFIL forces to move their positions 5 kilometers north, allegedly to protect them from escalating fighting.

This request was categorically rejected by UNIFIL forces, with their official spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, affirming that the forces will remain in their positions according to their UN mandate.

In a related context, a UN source revealed that three UNIFIL sites were subjected to Israeli fire on Thursday, including the main base in Naqoura. UNIFIL also confirmed that two of its personnel were injured after an observation tower was targeted by Israeli tank fire the previous day.

In an explanatory statement, UNIFIL indicated Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory, confirming that its headquarters and neighboring sites have been repeatedly shelled. It also accused Israeli soldiers of deliberately targeting UN surveillance cameras and observation points.

These developments sparked a wave of international condemnation. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto considered that Israeli forces firing on UNIFIL positions cannot be tolerated. France and Italy also announced their intention to hold a meeting of European countries contributing to the UNIFIL force to discuss the situation.

This escalation comes at a time when confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah continue, with cross-border shelling exchanges, while UNIFIL affirms that implementing UN Resolution 1701 is the only solution to restore stability to the border area between Lebanon and Israel.

Levant-Agencies

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