The United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Thursday, October 10 that two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired toward an observation tower at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naquora, directly hitting it and causing them to fall.
UNIFIL said the peacekeepers' injuries are "fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital."
IDF soldiers also fired on UN position (UNP) 1031 in Labbouneh, UNIFIL said on Thursday, 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 added that on Wednesday, IDF soldiers "deliberately fired at and disabled the position’s perimeter-monitoring cameras.
"They also deliberately fired on UNP 1-32A in Ras Naqoura, where regular Tripartite meetings were held before the conflict began, damaging lighting and a relay station."
UNIFIL said: "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.
"UNIFIL peacekeepers are present in south Lebanon to support a return to stability under Security Council mandate. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701.
"We are following up with the IDF on these matters."
Statement:
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 10, 2024
Recent escalation along the Blue Line is causing widespread destruction of towns and villages in south Lebanon, while rockets continue to be launched towards Israel, including civilian areas.
Ireland contributes 370 troops to UNIFIL, according to UNIFIL figures issued in September.
Earlier this week, Irish leaders welcomed the news that Israeli forces had left the vicinity of UN Post 6-52, where Irish troops are located.
In a situation update on Thursday, Óglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish Defence Forces) said it "can confirm all Irish pers are safe and accounted for.
"All necessary force protection measures are being observed.
"The Defence Forces can also confirm that Irish positions have not been subject to incoming fire."
Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members
The Defence Forces can confirm all IRISH pers are safe and accounted for. All necessary force protection measures are being observed.
The Defence Forces can also confirm that…
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) October 10, 2024
Taoiseach Simon Harris also confirmed that the members of the Irish Defence Forces serving with UNIFIL, both in Camp Shamrock and in posts close to the Blue Line, "were not involved and remain well" and that they "are continuing to carry out their mission with distinction, despite the extremely difficult circumstances."
He continued: "Firing on peacekeepers can never be tolerated or acceptable. 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."
The Taoiseach added that he is being briefed regularly on the safety of "our members of the Defence Forces in Lebanon, and will remain in close contact with the UN Secretary General.
"Their safety remains paramount."
Harris again called for an immediate ceasefire.
I am deeply concerned by reports that the Israeli Defence Forces have fired at UNIFIL positions at its headquarters in Naqoura.
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/YFeALkhwIY
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 10, 2024
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin also condemned the IDF targeting and firing on UNIFIL positions in Lebanon.
"It is reprehensible and unacceptable to injure peacekeepers and to put them in harm's way," the Tánaiste said.
"Israel has an obligation to protect peacekeepers and its actions are in breach of international humanitarian law.
There needs to be full accountability for these actions.
"No Irish troops were involved. All are safe and accounted for."
There needs to be full accountability for these actions.
No Irish troops were involved. All are safe and accounted for. (2/2)
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 10, 2024
Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, the Tánaiste also paid tribute to all of the UNIFIL peacekeepers, noting that there are about 10,000 from 50 countries currently in Lebanon.
He said they are doing "the most noble activities of all, keeping peace, endeavoring to keep peace between warring parties.
"Our soldiers are professional, they are resilient, and they are operating in very, very challenging environments."
I want to pay tribute to our soldiers in the Lebanon...who are doing the most noble activities of all, keeping peace, endeavouring to keep peace between warring parties. Our soldiers are professional, they're resilient and they are operating in very very challenging environments. pic.twitter.com/WUEImL9lza
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 10, 2024
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