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UN Peacekeepers Under Fire: Israeli Tank Shoots at UNIFIL in Lebanon

Israeli soldiers fired directly at UN peacekeepers in Lebanon from a Merkava tank. The heavy-machinegun rounds landed dangerously close to UNIFIL personnel, just five meters away. UN officials condemned this as a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement that ended the 2006 conflict. This marks another escalation in ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon despite the yearlong truce.

Key Points: Israel Shoots at UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon Amid Truce Violations

  • Israeli tank fired heavy-machinegun rounds just 5 meters from UN peacekeepers
  • UNIFIL personnel evacuated safely after 30-minute standoff
  • Israel claims poor weather caused mistaken identity of UN patrol
  • Incident violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701 ceasefire terms
2 min read

UN says Israel shot at its peacekeepers in Lebanon

Israeli forces fired on UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon, hitting 5 meters from personnel. UN calls it serious violation of ceasefire agreement amid ongoing tensions.

"Yet again, we call on the Israeli military to cease any aggressive behavior and attacks on or near peacekeepers - UNIFIL"

Beirut, November 17

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said that Israeli soldiers shot at its peacekeepers in their latest targeting of UNIFIL as Israel continues to attack Lebanon on a near-daily basis in violation of a yearlong ceasefire in its war against Hezbollah, Al Jazeera reported.

Israeli forces on Sunday (local time) "fired on UNIFIL peacekeepers from a Merkava tank from near a position Israel has established in Lebanese territory", the peacekeepers said in a statement, adding heavy-machinegun rounds hit about 5 metres (5.5 yards) from their personnel.

UNIFIL said the peacekeepers were able to leave safely 30 minutes later after the tank withdrew inside the Israeli position.

Israel said its soldiers who fired at UNIFIL did so due to "poor weather conditions" and mistook the UN patrol for "suspects".

The Lebanese army also issued a statement: "The army command affirms that it is working in coordination with friendly countries to put an end to the ongoing violations and breaches by the Israeli enemy, which require immediate action as they represent a dangerous escalation," as per Al Jazeera.

In September, UNIFIL said Israeli drones had dropped four grenades close to its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon with one landing within 20 metres (22 yards) of UN personnel and vehicles.

UNIFIL said the shooting "represents a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701", which ended a 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and also formed the basis of the November 2024 truce.

"Yet again, we call on the [Israeli military] to cease any aggressive behavior and attacks on or near peacekeepers," UNIFIL said on Sunday.

UNIFIL has been working with the Lebanese army to maintain the truce between Israel and Hezbollah, which brought an end to intensive hostilities that erupted into full-blown war after the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel killed more than 4,000 people, mostly civilians, in its recent war on Lebanon and displaced more than a million people. It razed dozens of villages and occupied - and still refuses to withdraw from - at least five points on Lebanese territory as stipulated under the deal, as per Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
As an Indian who values peace in our region, I find these repeated violations alarming. If countries can attack UN forces with impunity, what hope is there for international law? The UN Security Council needs to take stronger action.
M
Michael C
While I condemn attacks on UN personnel, we should also acknowledge that Hezbollah operates from civilian areas in Lebanon. The situation is complex, but peacekeepers should never be targeted. Both sides need to show restraint.
S
Shreya B
This pattern of targeting UN forces is worrying. First drones dropping grenades, now tank fire. India contributes significantly to UN peacekeeping - our soldiers risk their lives for global peace. Such incidents make their work even more dangerous. 😟
A
Aditya G
The international community must hold Israel accountable for these violations. When will the UN show some teeth? As Indians, we understand the importance of respecting international borders and agreements. This aggression affects regional stability far beyond Lebanon.
N
Nisha Z
Respectfully, I think we need balanced reporting on this issue. While the attack on UN personnel is wrong, we should also question why UNIFIL hasn't been more effective in preventing Hezbollah's activities near the border. Both sides share responsibility for the tensions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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