UNIFIL headquarters hit twice in 48 hours, slams 'grave violation'

The United Nations Interim Forces in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission in Lebanon said its Naqoura headquarters were hit by Israeli explosions for the second time in the last 48 hours, in a statement issued on Friday.

"Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower. One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is being treated in Naqoura," the statement said.

"Today, several walls at the site near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an Israeli army vehicle hit the perimeter and army tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position," it said.

"Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.
These incidents put again UN peacekeepers, who are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the Security Council under resolution 1701 (2006), at very serious risks," the statement said.

"This is a serious development, and UNFIL reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times."

It called any deliberate attack on peacekeepers a "grave violation" of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).