UNIFIL Statement: Rockets strike UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters, injuring 4 peacekeepers (22 November 2024)
Earlier today, two 122-mm rockets struck the Sector West Headquarters in Shama, injuring four Italian peacekeepers who are now receiving treatment at the base hospital. Fortunately, none of the injuries are life-threatening.
The rockets, likely launched by Hizbullah or affiliated groups, impacted a bunker and a logistics area used by the international military police, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure. One of the affected structures caught fire, but the blaze was swiftly extinguished by base personnel.
This is the third attack on this UNIFIL base in Shama in a week.
Today’s attack comes amid heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Shama and Naqoura areas in recent days, heightening tensions in the region.
UNIFIL strongly urges combating parties to avoid fighting next to its positions. Inviolability of UN premises and personnel must be respected at all times.
Any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
The deliberate or accidental targeting of peacekeepers serving in south Lebanon must cease immediately to ensure their safety and uphold international law.