UNIFIL holding all positions despite direct, deliberate Israeli attacks: spokesperson

ISTANBUL (AA) – The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has said it will not abandon its positions despite being “directly and deliberately attacked” by the Israeli military.

“Peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said in an interview.

“We will continue our work to implement our mandate, despite the immense challenges we are facing right now.”

Over the past week, Israel has repeatedly targeted UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, sparking worldwide condemnation and fears about its larger military plans.

The attacks on UNIFIL are playing out along with Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah targets. The intensified Israeli assault on Lebanon has killed over 1,500 people, injured more than 4,500 others, and displaced at least 1.34 million people since late September.

“Since Oct. 8, UNIFIL positions in Ras Naqoura, Labbouneh, and Ramia have been directly and deliberately attacked by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces),” said Tenenti.

“IDF Merkava tank fire also hit an observation tower at our headquarters in Naqoura. Five peacekeepers have been injured at our headquarters, including two in the direct hit on our observation tower.”

Another 15 UN peacekeepers “also suffered effects from a kind of smoke that was released by the IDF in Ramia,” he added.

While the UNIFIL official did not elaborate further, Israel’s use of banned white phosphorus weapons has been documented in both Gaza and Lebanon, including by UN experts and watchdogs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

– Protests and plans –

Tenenti said UNIFIL remains in “constant contact with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line,” referring to the de facto border between Lebanon and Israel.

“Our head of mission and force commander has directly communicated to the IDF that attacks on UN positions and peacekeepers are unacceptable,” he said.

“We have formally protested recent incidents to the IDF by letter.”

As for the motives, he said the Israeli military “has not told us why they are attacking our positions, cameras, lighting, and communications equipment.”

Tenenti reaffirmed that UNIFIL remains prepared for any eventuality.

“We are regularly adjusting our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans ready to activate if absolutely necessary,” he said.

“All actors are reminded of their obligation to ensure peacekeeper safety and security and refrain from any actions that would put peacekeepers in harm’s way. They are further reminded that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times.”

The official pointed to the UN Security Council’s call for “all parties to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises … (and) that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.”

Earlier, on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also issued a strong warning that targeting peacekeepers “may constitute a war crime.”

– Suspended activities –

Tenenti said UNIFIL operations have been disrupted by the increasing security challenges.

“UNIFIL does not have a humanitarian mandate, but our peacekeepers are supporting communities as best we can,” he said.

“Due to the security situation in the last couple of weeks, most of these activities have been suspended. We are still undertaking activities when we can, including a donation of personal hygiene products, wood stoves, and other items to people in Kleyaa earlier this week.”

UNIFIL, he added, also facilitated access by humanitarian groups delivering aid to civilians in different villages in the south where people are still living, including a 22-vehicle convoy.​​​​​​​