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Concluding a three-day visit to Lebanon, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix underlined that Security Council resolution 1701 remains the framework to return to stability—and build on it.
In the wake of the dramatic escalation of violence across the Blue Line in late September, which has posed enormous challenges to UNIFIL peacekeepers as well as the local population, peacekeepers have persevered and remain in their positions spread across south Lebanon.
Yesterday, two IDF excavators and one IDF bulldozer destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a UNIFIL position in Ras Naqoura. In response to our urgent protest, the IDF denied any activity was taking place inside the UNIFIL position.
This afternoon a rocket hit UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, setting a vehicle workshop on fire. Peacekeepers were not in bunkers at the time. While some peacekeepers suffered minor injuries, fortunately no one was seriously injured.
Peacekeepers continue to monitor and report to the Security Council on the situation in south Lebanon, despite the dramatic escalation and violence on the ground in recent weeks.
UNIFIL Spanish peacekeepers have stepped up to help local communities in south Lebanon, even as tensions escalate.
Earlier today, an IDF bulldozer deliberately demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence of a UN position in Marwahin.
UNIFIL Italian peacekeepers have donated essential medicines and powdered milk to the Lebanese Red Cross and the crisis unit of Tyre municipality. These supplies will be distributed to displaced people in southern Lebanon.
Earlier today, an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) of unknown origin approached one of UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force ships off the southern Lebanese coast. In accordance with procedure, electronic countermeasures were used and the UAV fell and exploded on its own. We are looking into the matter.
This morning, peacekeepers at a position near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower. Two cameras were destroyed, and the tower was damaged.
Yet again we see direct and apparently deliberate fire on a UNIFIL position.