UN peacekeepers in Lebanon say Israeli tanks destroyed their main gate

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon said Israeli tanks broke through a gate to enter a Blue Helmet position on the Lebanese side of the border Sunday, after blocking their movement the previous day.

“At around 4:30 am, while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF (Israeli army) Merkava tanks destroyed the position’s main gate and forcibly entered the position” in the Ramia area, before leaving 45 minutes later, UNIFIL said, after on Saturday Israeli soldiers “stopped a critical UNIFIL logistical movement near Mais al-Jabal, denying it passage.”

“At around 6:40 a.m., peacekeepers at the same position reported the firing of several rounds 100 meters north, which emitted smoke,” UNIFIL added.

“Despite putting on protective masks, fifteen peacekeepers suffered effects, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions, after the smoke entered the camp. The peacekeepers are receiving treatment.”

The mission said that it asked for explanations from the Israeli army over what they said were “shocking violations” against their force.


“We have requested an explanation from the IDF from these shocking violations,” UNIFIL said in a statement.

With AFP