An Israeli soldier walks near military vehicles, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near Israel's border with Gaza in southern Israel, May 29, 2024. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Israeli forces targeted positions held by UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a statement from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The attacks occurred amid Israel’s widening offensive against Hezbollah, with Israeli authorities warning civilians in southern Lebanon not to return to their homes.
UNIFIL confirmed that two peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank struck a watchtower at its headquarters in Ras al-Naqoura, causing the tower to collapse. “Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” UNIFIL stressed in its statement, adding that it was seeking further clarification from the Israeli military. Other incidents involving Israeli fire occurred but caused no additional casualties.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Thursday, targeting Israeli forces near Ras al-Naqoura as they were reportedly attempting to evacuate casualties. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the claim, but the area remains a flashpoint as Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon.
The conflict has its roots in Hezbollah’s involvement in the Gaza war, which began a year ago when the group fired in support of Hamas. The fighting has since escalated, with Israeli forces bombarding Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.
The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with the potential for further escalation following an Iranian missile strike on Oct. 1. Gulf states, concerned about the possible fallout, have been lobbying the United States to prevent Israel from targeting Iran’s oil facilities, fearing Tehran’s proxies could retaliate against their own infrastructure.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation during a phone call on Wednesday, focusing on possible Israeli retaliation against Iran. Both leaders characterised the call as constructive, as the region braces for what could be further military action.
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