Israeli soldiers again fired at UN peacekeepers this week, say Unifil

A United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (Unifil) spokesperson said the Israeli Defence Force 'as deliberately damaged camera, lighting, and communications equipment at some of these positions'. Picture: Defence Forces

UN peacekeepers, which includes Irish soldiers, have told how members were fired upon yet again by Israeli Defence Force members this week.

In a statement posted on social media, a United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (Unifil) spokesperson said: "On October 22, peacekeepers on duty at a permanent observation post near Dhayra were observing IDF soldiers conducting house clearing operations nearby.

"Upon realizing they were being observed, the IDF soldiers fired at the post. The duty guards withdrew to avoid being shot."

They said IDF has repeatedly demanded that Unifil vacate its positions along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon and "has deliberately damaged camera, lighting, and communications equipment at some of these positions".

"Despite the pressure being exerted on the mission and our troop-contributing countries, peacekeepers remain in position and on task. We will continue to undertake our mandated tasks to monitor and report," the spokesperson added.

"We continue to urge all actors involved in the conflict to resolve their differences at the negotiating table, through a political and diplomatic solution — not through violence. UNIFIL remains on the ground and ready to support this."

Unifil also said that on October 10, an observation tower at its Naqoura headquarters was hit by Israeli tank fire. 

"Two Indonesian peacekeepers spent three days in intensive care, but are now in good condition and back on duty," it added.