OSLO — Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has condemned the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for an attack on the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
“It is deeply concerning that UNIFIL has come under fire from Israeli forces,” Eide said in a press release on Friday.
He described the incident as “highly reprehensible,” stressing that UNIFIL plays a critical role in monitoring the situation and acting as a neutral force to help de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict. “The UN’s positions and infrastructure are well-known and clearly marked,” he added.
Eide urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians. He also called for strict adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to maintain peace along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The UNIFIL said on Thursday that an Israeli tank fired on a watchtower in its headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, injuring two members.
“This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it and causing them to fall,” said the UN agency in a statement, adding that the injuried are not in serious condition, but remain in hospital.
The statement noted that the IDF soldiers also fired at a UN position in Labbouneh, hitting the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, and damaging vehicles and a communications system.
XINHUA
