Israel again targets UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

BRUSSELS, OCTOBER 11, ARMENPRESS. Israeli forces have fired a second time at the main base of the UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), injuring two peacekeepers, Euronews reports. 

The attack came after the Israel Defence Forces struck a watch tower at the headquarters on Thursday, injuring two other peacekeepers.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Israeli army on Friday hit a watchtower of a Sri Lankan battalion in Naqoura, part of UNIFIL.

Israel’s military said its troops opened fire near a UNIFIL base after instructing UN forces in the area to remain in protected spaces, Al Jazeera reported. 

It said in a statement that Hezbollah fighters operate from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near UNIFIL posts.

The military said it “is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL”.

Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, said he recommended that the peacekeeping force relocate five kilometers north “while the situation along the Blue Line remains volatile as a result of Hezbollah aggression”, referring to the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel.