Israel Fires Shells at UN Forces Base in Lebanon... International Community Condemns

Israel Also Conducts Airstrikes in Central Lebanon on the Same Day

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 10th (local time), as the Israeli military engaged in ground combat against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon attacked a United Nations base, the international community united in condemnation.

According to foreign media including AFP, on that morning, Israeli tanks fired shells at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in the Lebanese border town of Nakura in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL reported that the tank shells hit the base's observation post, injuring two soldiers and partially damaging surveillance capabilities. It also added that Israeli forces fired around the base, damaging vehicles and communication systems, and rendering surveillance cameras inoperable. UNIFIL is composed of approximately 10,000 troops and serves as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon.

The Israeli military explained that during operations against Hezbollah in Nakura, they fired shells after advising the UN forces in the area to remain in the protected zone. Regarding this, foreign media reported that last week the Israeli military sent a letter to UNIFIL requesting relocation for safety reasons, but UNIFIL opposed the Israeli forces moving closer to the UNIFIL base.

On the same day, Andrea Tenenti, UNIFIL spokesperson, stated, "The United Nations Security Council deployed us here, and we will remain until we can no longer carry out our operations," clearly indicating refusal to comply with Israeli demands for withdrawal. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, also said at a Security Council meeting that UNIFIL is increasingly at risk but plans to continue its deployment.

Countries participating in UNIFIL condemned Israel. Guido Crosetto, Italy’s Minister of Defense, said, "Israel’s firing on the UNIFIL base is absolutely unacceptable and a clear violation of international law," adding, "I have protested to the Israeli Minister of Defense regarding this firing." The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning Israel’s attack on UNIFIL and said, "We are awaiting an explanation from the Israeli authorities."

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a "serious violation of international law" and stated, "The Spanish government strongly condemns Israel’s artillery strike on the UNIFIL base in Nakura."

Meanwhile, according to AFP, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes on the center of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, resulting in over 100 casualties. The Israeli military launched its first ground operation in 18 years in southern Lebanon on the 30th of last month, making the strike on the city center unusual. AFP reported that a Lebanese security source mentioned that the Israeli forces targeted specific Hezbollah commanders.