Two UNIFIL soldiers injured in Israeli shelling of southern Lebanon

A source in the international peacekeeping forces "UNIFIL" announced that two soldiers from the international forces were slightly injured as a result of Israeli shelling of one of the "UNIFIL" sites in southern Lebanon. A UN source reported that Israeli forces fired at three UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon. The control tower at the main UNIFIL center in Ras al-Naqoura was hit by an Israeli attack. "In recent days, we have witnessed incursions from Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura and other areas. IDF soldiers have engaged with Hezbollah elements on the ground in Lebanon. UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and nearby positions have also been repeatedly shelled," UNIFIL said in a statement. "This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon at a watchtower at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, hitting it directly and causing the two soldiers to fall. Fortunately, this time, the injuries are not serious, but they are still in the hospital," she announced. She added: "The I sraeli army soldiers also fired at the UN position 1-31 in Ras al-Naqoura, hitting the entrance to the bunker where the peacekeepers were taking cover, and damaging the vehicles and the communications system. An Israeli army drone was also seen flying inside the UN position up to the entrance to the bunker." 'Yesterday, IDF soldiers deliberately fired at and disabled surveillance cameras around the site. They also deliberately fired at UN observation post 1-32A in Ras al-Naqoura, where regular tripartite meetings were held prior to the conflict, damaging lighting and the repeater station,' she continued. UNIFIL reminded the Israeli military 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, stressing that 'UNIFIL peacekeepers are in southern Lebanon to support the return to stability under the mandate of the Security Council. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of i nternational humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701.' Days ago, the spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, expressed his "deep concern about the recent activities of the Israeli army near a UNIFIL position in Lebanon," stressing that "it is unacceptable to undermine the safety of UN peacekeeping forces implementing a mandate from the Security Council." Source: Maan News Agency