‘Direct and apparently deliberate attack’: UN says Israel fired at peacekeeping post in south Lebanon

UN peacekeepers hold their flag, as they observe Israeli excavators attempt to destroy tunnels built by Hezbollah, near the southern Lebanese-Israeli border village of Mays al-Jabal, Lebanon, on December 13, 2019. AP

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Wednesday said Israeli army forces fired at one of their positions in south Lebanon in a “direct and apparently deliberate” attack that damaged a watchtower.

Peacekeepers in the southern village of Kfar Kila observed an Israeli army tank “firing at their watchtower”, AFP quoted UNIFIL as saying in a statement.

“Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged,” it added.

“Yet again we see direct and apparently deliberate fire on a UNIFIL position. We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times,” read the statement.

UNIFIL has reported several attacks on its troops and bases since Israel launched its ground invasion of southern Lebanon almost three weeks ago. Countries around the world have condemned the Israeli attacks, saying they could break international law.

Five peacekeepers have been wounded, most of them blamed on Israeli forces.

Benjamin Netanyahu has denied Israeli troops deliberately targeted UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon and told them to leave the area as it goes after Hezbollah targets.

With inputs from agencies