US President Joe Biden has strongly urged Israel to stop firing at UN peacekeepers amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
This call comes following two incidents within 48 hours that left UN soldiers injured.
On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted responsibility for an incident in which two Sri Lankan soldiers from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured.
The IDF reported that troops opened fire after identifying a threat near the UN base in Naqoura, and an investigation will be conducted at high levels.
Earlier, two Indonesian UN soldiers were hurt when they fell from an observation tower after an Israeli tank fired in the vicinity.
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UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix suggested some of the fire directed at UN positions appeared to be intentional.
Leaders from France, Italy, and Spain have condemned Israel’s actions, calling them unjustifiable. Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry also expressed strong condemnation of the IDF’s actions.
As hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah continue, the IDF reported approximately 100 rockets launched from Lebanon within a short period on Friday.
The Lebanese health ministry reported casualties from Israeli airstrikes, including the deaths of three individuals in Sidon.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati described the attacks as a “crime directed at the international community.”
He criticized the lack of warning and the significant civilian casualties resulting from Israeli actions.
Since launching a ground invasion into southern Lebanon last month, Israel has intensified its military response to rocket fire from Hezbollah.
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This escalation has led to significant loss of life and displacement within Lebanon, with reports indicating over 2,000 fatalities.
As tensions rise, the future of UN peacekeeping operations in the region remains uncertain, with Israel calling for UNIFIL personnel to withdraw to ensure safety from ongoing conflicts.
However, UN officials have stated that peacekeepers will remain in their current positions.