On October 13, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported an incident involving Israeli tanks that took place early in the morning. According to the statement issued by UNIFIL, at around 4:30 AM local time, two Israeli Defense Force (IDF) tanks destroyed the gate of a peacekeeping base and forcibly entered the facility.
In their statement, UNIFIL noted that the Israeli military had previously requested that the base turn off its lights. Following the tank’s departure, several shells exploded about 100 meters away, releasing smoke that spread throughout the base, causing some UN personnel to feel unwell. Those affected are currently receiving medical treatment.
UNIFIL stressed that any deliberate attack on peacekeepers, as well as the destruction of and unlawful entry into UN peacekeeping facilities, constitutes a serious violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). The force further emphasized that its mandate allows for freedom of movement within its area of operations, and any restrictions imposed are considered violations.
Additionally, UNIFIL has requested clarification from the Israeli Defense Forces regarding what they described as shocking intrusions. In response, the IDF stated that they deployed smoke screens to provide cover for the evacuation of injured soldiers, asserting that their actions did not pose a threat to the UN peacekeeping force.
