The United Nations peacekeeping mission said Israel has repeatedly fired upon its installations in southern Lebanon and injured two soldiers severely enough to require hospitalisation. 

The Israeli attacks come a week after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) rejected Israel’s demand to remove Irish peacekeepers stationed near the Lebanese border.

“This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it and causing them to fall. The injuries are fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital,” said UNIFIL.

It added that IDF Soldiers also fired on another UN position, “hitting the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, and damaging vehicles and a communications system.”

An IDF drone was observed flying inside the UN position up to the bunker entrance.

UNIFIL went on to say that the day before, IDF soldiers “deliberately fired at and disabled the position’s perimeter-monitoring cameras.” 

“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,” said UNIFIL.

“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701.”

“Firing at peacekeepers not acceptable”

None of the Irish soldiers were injured by the IDF attack but the country’s leader said he is “deeply concerned by reports that the Israeli Defence Forces have fired at UNIFIL positions at its headquarters in Naqoura.”

“Firing on peacekeepers can never be tolerated or acceptable,” said Taoiseach Simon Harris in a statement. “The Blue Helmet worn by UN peacekeepers must be sacrosanct. They are serving on behalf of the international community in some of the most challenging places in the world. They are not combatants, and their role must be respected at all times.”

Italy also condemned Israeli troops firing on the forces. The Reuters news agency quoted Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto saying any fire at UNIFIL bases was “totally unacceptable” and a violation of international law. 

The French foreign ministry expressed “deep concern following the Israeli shots that hit” the UNIFIL forces. In their statement, it condemned any attacks against UNIFIL’s security and said they were waiting for “explanations from Israeli officials.”

In a statement, the IDF said, “This morning (Thursday), IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base. Accordingly, the IDF instructed the UN forces in the area to remain in protected spaces, following which the forces opened fire in the area.”

According to the UN’s human rights office, Israeli military orders have led to the displacement of residents from a quarter of Lebanon’s territory. 

Israel’s invasion has forced approximately 1.2 million people in Lebanon to flee their homes.