On Wednesday Israeli tank shot at the guard tower at the headquarters UNIFILE (UN peacekeeping forces – ed.) in the city of Nakura in Lebanon. Reuters reported that two soldiers were injured in the attack. Their injuries were minor, but they were transported to hospital. There were further incidents within 24 hours, but no one was injured.
“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law” – UNIFIL emphasized in a statement, adding that follow-up actions have been taken towards the Israeli military. It also recalled the “obligation to ensure the safety of personnel and property UN and respect for the inviolability of UN facilities.”
Attacks on soldiers performing a peacekeeping mission did not go unanswered by world politicians.
Israel attacked UN peacekeepers. World reacts, 'totally unacceptable'
He referred to the incidents in Lebanon Minister of Defense Italian Guido Crosettowho stated that the attack Israel to the bases where UNIFIL soldiers are stationed was neither an accident nor a mistake. – The Israeli ambassador was unable to explain the attack on UNIFIL – said Crosetto, whose words were quoted by Reuters.
According to the head of the Italian Ministry of Defense, the shelling was “completely unacceptable”. Additionally, Crosetto declared that “Israeli forces acted illegally” and condemned the attack. – This may constitute a war crime and a very serious violation of international military law – he said.
The Italian Defense Minister therefore contacted his Israeli counterpart to protestand also called the Israeli ambassador in Italy to demand explanations, which – according to Reuters – were not forthcoming.
The French side also commented in a similar tone. Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs France Stephane Sejourne he emphasized that they were waiting for explanations from Israel.
“France expresses deep concern after Israeli shelling hit UNIFIL and condemns any attacks on the safety of these soldiers,” Sejourne said. He also added that “protection of peacekeepers “is an obligation that applies to all parties to the conflict.”
Israeli attack on UNIFIL soldiers. “This cannot be acceptable”
The Prime Minister also spoke on the matter Ireland Simon Harris. “Shooting peacekeepers will never happen can be tolerated or accepted. The blue helmet worn by UN peacekeepers must be inviolable. Soldiers serve on behalf of the international community in some of the most difficult places in the world. They are not fightersand their role must always be respected,” he said in a statement published on social media.
Harris also called on the parties to reach a ceasefire, which could include: ensure the safety of civilians in Lebanon and Israel. In the Israeli Defense Forces attack on UNIFIL soldiers from Italy, France and Ireland were not injured.
Earlier, the Polish Minister of National Defense also commented on Israel's attacks in Lebanon Władysław Kosiniak-Kamyszwho assured that none of the Polish soldiers stationed in Lebanon he wasn't hurt. As he added, “at the NEC UNIFIL stationing base and at the posts where our soldiers serve, no disturbing incidents were reported“.
Sources: Reuters, CBS News, Interia