![This picture taken on October 13, 2024 during a controlled embed organised by the Israeli military, shows Israeli troops patrolling near a United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in the southern Lebanon's Naqoura region near the border. [MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GettyImages-2177506629.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported that it observed violations by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) against its personnel and positions in southern Lebanon.
In a statement issued on X yesterday, UNIFIL said: “Early this morning, peacekeepers at a UN position in Ramyah observed three platoons of IDF soldiers crossing the Blue Line into Lebanon.”
“At around 4:30 a.m., while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the position’s main gate and forcibly entered the position. They requested multiple times that the base turn out its lights,” the UN mission added.
UNIFIL’s mandate provides for its freedom of movement in its area of operations, and any restriction on this is a violation of resolution 1701.
We have requested an explanation from the IDF from these shocking violations.
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 13, 2024
The attack resulted in injuries to 15 peacekeepers, some of whom experienced skin irritation caused by smoke from multiple shells fired at the site.
UNIFIL described the Israeli incursion as a “shocking” violation and has sought clarification from the Israeli army regarding the incident.
The Israeli occupation soldiers left the site 45 minutes later, the statement said, “after UNIFIL protested through our liaison mechanism, saying that IDF presence was putting peacekeepers in danger.”
Earlier Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the immediate withdrawal of UNIFIL forces from southern Lebanon. In a televised address, Netanyahu urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to pull UNIFIL out of Hezbollah strongholds and combat zones, claiming that the move is necessary to avoid placing the peacekeepers in harm’s way.
Netanyahu said UNIFIL has previously refused Israel’s requests to withdraw, He claimed that this was so the peacekeepers could be used as human shields by Hezbollah fighters. He added that the continued presence of UNIFIL troops “makes them hostages to Hezbollah and endangers their lives and those of Israeli soldiers.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati rejected Netanyahu’s call, affirming Lebanon’s commitment to UN Resolution 1701 and UNIFIL’s role in maintaining peace. Mikati also urged the international community to take a firm stand against Israel’s ongoing aggression on Lebanon.
Read: Biden says ‘absolutely’ asking Israel to not hit UN peacekeepers in Lebanon