Egypt Daily News – In a serious incident along the Israel-Lebanon border, UN peacekeepers reported that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) breached the Blue Line, the demarcation line separating the two countries.
On Sunday morning, peacekeepers stationed at a UN base in the southern Lebanese village of Ramyah witnessed three platoons of IDF soldiers cross into Lebanon.
The situation escalated when two Israeli Merkava tanks destroyed the main gate of the UN position and entered the area, demanding that the lights be turned off.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called this act a “flagrant violation of international law” and referenced Security Council resolution 1701 from 2006, which outlines the rules governing UN peacekeeping operations in the region.
UNIFIL emphasized that any intentional assault on peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
Subsequently, the same UN base reported an incident two hours later where several rounds were fired near their position, leading to smoke entering the camp and causing health issues among UN troops, who are now receiving medical treatment.
Additionally, Israeli soldiers reportedly impeded the movement of UNIFIL vehicles near the Lebanese village of Meiss ej Jebel, preventing critical logistics from being carried out.
UNIFIL reaffirmed its mandate that ensures freedom of movement within its operational area and demanded that the Israeli military, along with other actors, adhere to their obligations to protect UN personnel and property, as well as respect the sanctity of UN installations.
