Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tanks forcibly entered a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon, destroying the main gate. This incident occurred after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that UN troops would be in danger if they remained in Lebanon.
The tanks entered the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in Ramyah, near the Israel-Lebanon border, causing peacekeepers to suffer from skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions due to the shells’ irritating smoke.
The IDF claimed that the tanks accidentally backed into the base while evacuating wounded Israeli soldiers. However, UNIFIL condemned the breach, stating it was a flagrant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolution 1701.
UNIFIL, tasked with overseeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, is composed of around 10,000 troops from 50 countries. The organization accused IDF of repeated attacks on its bases and outposts, leading to injuries among peacekeepers.
Netanyahu called for the evacuation of UNIFIL troops, accusing them of shielding Hezbollah terrorists. UNIFIL reminded Israel of the strict restrictions placed by UN resolutions regarding military operations in the region.