Unifil condemns Israeli army destruction of fence near where Irish peacekeepers are on duty 

IDF excavators and bulldozer destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in Unifil's position in Ras Naqoura, southern Lebanon

Unifil troops and personnel carrier patrolling in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces destroyed part of a fence at Ras Naqoura, the same position that came under IDF fire last month. Picture: Joseph Eid/AFP/Getty  

Unifil has condemned the latest action by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against one of its positions in the same region where Irish peacekeepers are based.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) said that two IDF excavators and one IDF bulldozer destroyed part of a fence and a concrete structure in a Unifil position in Ras Naqoura, in southern Lebanon.

Despite the incident being filmed, and a subsequent “urgent protest” lodged by Unifil, the IDF denied any activity was taking place inside the Unifil position.

The Ras Naqoura Unifil position is the same one that came under fire in October, when the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering was attacked.

At the time of the attack, an IDF drone had been observed flying inside the camp and at the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers had been sheltering.

In relation to the latest incident, Unifil said: “The IDF’s deliberate and direct destruction of clearly identifiable Unifil property is a flagrant violation of international law and resolution 1701.

“We again remind the IDF and all actors of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times.” 

Unifil said that, since September 30, the IDF has repeatedly demanded peacekeepers leave their positions near the so-called Blue Line — a demarcation line dividing Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights — “for their safety".

“Yesterday’s incident, like seven other similar incidents, is not a matter of peacekeepers getting caught in the crossfire, but of deliberate and direct actions by the IDF,” Unifil said.

“We also note with concern the destruction and removal this week of two of the blue barrels that mark the UN-delineated line of withdrawal between Lebanon and Israel [the Blue Line]. 

Peacekeepers directly observed the IDF removing one of them.

“Despite the unacceptable pressures being exerted on the mission through various channels, peacekeepers will continue to undertake our mandated monitoring and reporting tasks under Resolution 1701.”