Beirut: UNIFIL has expressed concern regarding the recent aggressive actions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) involving UNIFIL personnel and assets near the Blue Line. In a statement released on Wednesday, UNIFIL highlighted an incident where a direct fire hit the perimeter of a UNIFIL position south of the village of Kfar Shouba, marking the first direct hit on a UNIFIL position since the 27 November cessation of hostilities.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, peacekeepers observed two shots fired from south of the Blue Line, with one striking the UNIFIL base. This incident is part of a pattern, as UNIFIL has recorded at least four other incidents involving IDF fire near its positions along the Blue Line since the cessation of hostilities.
In recent days, UNIFIL has also observed other actions by the IDF perceived as aggressive towards peacekeepers conducting their operational activities in line with Security Council Resolution 1701. On the same day as the direct fire incident, UNIFIL peacekeepers on patrol with the Lebanese army near Maroun ar-Ra's reported being targeted by a laser from a nearby IDF position.
Another incident on 7 May involved laser beams being directed at a UNIFIL patrol from two IDF Merkava tanks south of Alma ash-Shaab. As the patrol moved, a drone flew approximately five meters above it, following the patrol for about a kilometer. Additionally, an aerial vehicle repeatedly flew over a UNIFIL position east of Houla on the same day.
UNIFIL has protested these actions and continues to remind all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property, as well as to respect the inviolability of UN assets and premises at all times.