Lebanon (Quds News Network)- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has issued a strong condemnation following the deliberate destruction of one of its observation towers and perimeter fences by an Israeli bulldozer in Marwahin, located in southern Lebanon’s Tyre District.
In a statement released earlier today, UNIFIL emphasized that this incident constitutes a breach of international law, underscoring Israel’s obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The mission further warned that the demolition endangers the safety of peacekeepers and violates international humanitarian law.
“Breaching a UN position and damaging UN assets is a flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701. It also endangers the safety and security of our peacekeepers,” read the statement.
UNIFIL also noted that the Israeli army has repeatedly called for the peacekeeping mission to vacate its positions along the Blue Line. Despite this pressure, UNIFIL peacekeepers remain stationed in all of their designated positions, according to the statement.
The demolition marks the latest in a series of incidents where Israeli forces have targeted UNIFIL sites. Over the past week, the Israeli army has launched multiple attacks on UN positions, drawing criticism from international observers for endangering peacekeeping personnel. Sirens were reportedly heard at UNIFIL’s base in Tyre on Sunday, signaling a potential security threat.
UNIFIL reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate, stating, “We will continue to undertake our mandated tasks to monitor and report, despite the ongoing pressures and attacks on our positions.”
Water Crisis Amid Israeli Bombardment
In addition to the security threats, UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon are also facing a humanitarian crisis, struggling to secure access to clean drinking water due to Israel’s ongoing attacks. UNIFIL highlighted that its peacekeepers in Meiss ej Jebel ran out of water supplies after weeks of disrupted access caused by road closures.
“Yesterday, peacekeepers in Meiss ej Jebel exhausted their water supplies after weeks without resupply. Many of our sites are running low on essential resources, and this shortage is exacerbated by the ongoing bombardment,” said the statement. UNIFIL also warned of the growing risk of cholera outbreaks in Lebanon, particularly among vulnerable populations, as water and sanitation services have been severely impacted by the conflict.
The situation in Lebanon has sharply deteriorated since Israel launched a military offensive against Gaza on October 7, 2023, which has since expanded into a broader conflict with Lebanon. Since September 23, 2024, Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, including in the capital, Beirut, and have begun a ground invasion in the south.
According to Lebanese officials, the Israeli assault has claimed the lives of 2,448 people and injured 11,471, including many women and children. The violence has displaced over 1.34 million people, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Source: qudsnen
