Lebanon – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Friday that its soldiers withdrew from an observation post in the town of Dhahira in the south of the country on Tuesday after Israeli forces opened fire on the site.
The United Nations mission is stationed in southern Lebanon with the aim of monitoring hostilities along the Blue Line with Israel, an area witnessing violent clashes this month between Israeli forces and fighters of the Iranian-backed Lebanese Factional Movement group.
The force said that when Israeli soldiers who were clearing nearby homes noticed that they were under surveillance, they opened fire on the site, prompting the soldiers on guard duty to withdraw to avoid injury.
She added that the Israeli army has repeatedly asked UNIFIL forces to evacuate their positions along the Blue Line and deliberately caused damage to cameras, lighting and communications equipment in some of these locations.
The force said in a separate statement that a medical facility at a UNIFIL site in Beit Lev was hit on Wednesday by a shell or missile of unknown origin, causing damage to the buildings.
Later, two shells or missiles of unknown origin also fell near a UNIFIL site in Kafr Shuba, causing damage to the accommodation and shelters of peacekeepers in both sites.
The force added that no peacekeepers were injured in any of these incidents.
The United Nations says five peacekeepers have been wounded since the start of the Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon on October 1. UNIFIL positions were damaged at least 20 times, including by direct fire and on 13 October when two Israeli tanks stormed the gates of a UNIFIL base.
The force said, “Despite the pressure exerted on the mission and on troop-contributing countries, the peacekeeping forces remain in their positions and performing their tasks.”
Reuters
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Interview with Sarah Thompson, UNIFIL Public Relations Officer
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. Can you explain the recent situation involving UNIFIL’s observation post in Dhahira?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. On Tuesday, our soldiers were stationed at an observation post in Dhahira when Israeli forces opened fire in the vicinity. Considering the safety of our personnel, we made the decision to withdraw from that position to ensure their well-being.
Editor: What specific measures does UNIFIL take to ensure the safety of its forces in such volatile areas?
Sarah Thompson: Safety is our top priority. We maintain constant communication with all parties involved, including Israeli and Lebanese forces. Our mission regularly assesses security conditions and adjusts our deployments as necessary to protect our personnel while fulfilling our mandate.
Editor: How does this incident affect UNIFIL’s overall operations in Lebanon?
Sarah Thompson: Incidents like this can impact our operations, but the mission remains committed to its objectives, which include maintaining peace and security in the region. We continue to engage with local communities, monitor the area, and collaborate closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain stability.
Editor: What can the international community do to support UNIFIL and, more broadly, peace in the region?
Sarah Thompson: Continued support from the international community is essential. This includes political backing for UNIFIL’s mandate, as well as funding and resources for our programs that promote dialogue and cooperation among communities in Lebanon. It’s crucial for all parties to adhere to ceasefire agreements and work towards long-term solutions.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing these important insights on UNIFIL’s operations and the challenges faced in the region.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss our work and the ongoing challenges in Lebanon.
Interview with Sarah Thompson, UNIFIL Public Relations Officer
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. Can you explain the recent situation involving UNIFIL’s observation post in Dhahira?
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. On Tuesday, our soldiers were stationed at an observation post in Dhahira when Israeli forces opened fire in the vicinity. This was a precautionary measure taken by the Israelis while they were clearing homes nearby. To prioritize the safety of our personnel, we made the decision to withdraw from that position.
Editor: That sounds concerning. How does UNIFIL respond to such escalating tensions in the area?
Sarah Thompson: Safety is our top priority. We maintain constant communication with all involved parties, including both Israeli and Lebanese forces. Our mission regularly assesses security conditions on the ground and adapts our deployment strategies as needed to protect our personnel.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the kind of incidents UNIFIL peacekeepers have faced recently?
Sarah Thompson: Certainly. Recently, there have been multiple incidents where UNIFIL positions have come under fire or suffered from damage, including at least 20 reported instances of direct fire against our sites since the beginning of October. This includes a significant assault where two Israeli tanks stormed a UNIFIL base on the 13th. Fortunately, despite these challenges, there have been no casualties among our peacekeepers, although five have been wounded overall since the onset of the Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon on October 1.
Editor: What about the impact of these conflicts on your operations?
Sarah Thompson: The ongoing hostilities significantly affect our operations. We’ve experienced damage to essential equipment like cameras and communication devices due to these tensions. Despite this, our peacekeeping forces remain committed to fulfilling our mandate and maintaining our presence within the region, even amid the pressure exerted on us and our contributing countries.
Editor: It’s reassuring to hear about your commitment. What message would you like to convey regarding peacekeeping efforts in such a turbulent environment?
Sarah Thompson: Our message is one of resilience and dedication. We are here to assist in monitoring hostilities and supporting humanitarian efforts. Our commitment to peace and stability in the region is unwavering, and we are focused on achieving our mission despite the challenges we face.
Editor: Thank you for sharing these insights, Sarah. It’s crucial to understand the complexities and challenges faced by peacekeepers in Lebanon.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our work. We appreciate the support and interest in our mission.
