Beirut (Web Desk): The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stated that an Israeli army bulldozer destroyed a watchtower and the surrounding fence at a UN site in Marwahin, a town in southern Lebanon.
According to a press release from the mission, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) "deliberately demolished" these structures.
UNIFIL reminded the IDF and all parties involved of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and to respect the integrity of UN premises at all times.
The mission emphasized that such actions are clear violations of international law and Security Council resolution 1701, which was enacted to bring an end to the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and to establish security along the Israel-Lebanon border.
The statement also pointed out that the Israeli military has repeatedly pressured UNIFIL to vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has intentionally caused damage to UN facilities.
In spite of this pressure from the Israeli army and troop-contributing nations, UNIFIL reaffirmed its commitment to maintain its positions and continue its essential tasks of monitoring and reporting.
This incident follows a troubling series of events that have left five peacekeepers injured in recent days.
Just four days earlier, UNIFIL reported that peacekeepers near Kafer Kela witnessed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their observation tower, resulting in damage to two cameras and the tower itself.
Furthermore, on October 13, 15 peacekeepers were affected by smoke inhalation after the IDF fired rounds close to their position, which had already been breached earlier that day. Several UN facilities have suffered damage, with cameras and lighting equipment being destroyed.
High-ranking UN officials, including the Secretary-General, have voiced serious concerns over the situation, stressing that the safety and security of UN personnel must be guaranteed, and the inviolability of UN premises must be upheld without exception.
They warned that attacks on peacekeepers violate international law and could potentially be classified as war crimes.
Meanwhile, In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the United Nations (UN) has once again called for an immediate end to the war, stressing the urgent need to release hostages, halt the displacement of Palestinians, and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in need without hindrance.
In a statement released on Sunday night, Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, expressed deep concern over the worsening situation.
“The nightmare in Gaza is intensifying. Terrifying scenes are unfolding in the northern Strip due to relentless Israeli airstrikes and an escalating humanitarian crisis,” he said.
Wennesland noted that recent airstrikes in Beit Lahia reportedly resulted in many casualties, following weeks of intensified military operations that have caused numerous civilian deaths and severely limited access to humanitarian assistance for northern populations.
“Nowhere is safe in Gaza,” he lamented. He condemned the ongoing attacks on civilians and reiterated the importance of ending the conflict and securing the release of hostages.
The UN coordinator emphasized that the displacement of Palestinians must stop and that civilians need protection wherever they are.
“Humanitarian aid must be delivered without obstruction,” he insisted. Wennesland concluded by highlighting that moving forward will require courage, political will, and renewed dialogue. “We owe it to the families suffering in Gaza and Israel. The war must end now,” he stated.
Elsewhere in besieged Gaza, the United Nations renewed its call for an end to the war in the Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of hostages, the cessation of the displacement of Palestinians, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
In a statement released on Sunday night by the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, the UN expressed deep concern, stating, “The nightmare in Gaza is intensifying. Horrifying scenes are unfolding in the northern Strip amidst conflict, relentless Israeli strikes and an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis.
“In Beit Lahia, dozens were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes. This follows weeks of intensified operations resulting in scores of civilian fatalities and near total lack of humanitarian aid reaching populations in the north.”
“Nowhere is safe in Gaza,” Wennesland lamented.
Wennesland condemned the continued attacks on civilians and reiterated the importance of ending the war and releasing hostages, adding that “the displacement of Palestinians must cease, and civilians must be protected wherever they are”.
“Humanitarian aid must be delivered unimpeded,” he stressed. “The path ahead will require courage, political will and renewed dialogue. We owe it to the families suffering in Gaza and Israel. The war must stop now.”