Israel attacks United Nations base: 'We demand an explanation'
Attacks on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continue. In the latest incident, another soldier was wounded, bringing the total number of soldiers injured since Thursday to five. Stating that Israeli tanks forcibly entered a UNIFIL position, the peacekeeping force described these violations as "shocking" and demanded an explanation from Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called on the UN to withdraw UNIFIL forces from the area.
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While Israel's ground and air attacks on Lebanon continue, Hezbollah is responding with missiles.
As clashes continue along the Blue Line, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has once again become a target.
A third attack was carried out on UNIFIL early today.
In a statement, UNIFIL reported that three platoons of Israeli soldiers were observed crossing from the Blue Line into Lebanon.
UNIFIL announced that Israeli tanks destroyed the main gate of their position and forcibly entered the site.
The statement read: "15 peacekeepers suffered effects, including skin irritation, after multiple rounds were fired at the same location, causing smoke to spread."
The peacekeeping force described the violations as "shocking" and demanded an explanation from Israel.
In a statement from UNIFIL, it was reported that another UN soldier was wounded in the third attack.
The attack took place at the headquarters located in the Ras Naqoura region of southern Lebanon.
Due to ongoing military activity in the area, one soldier was wounded as a result of gunfire. It was noted that the source of the fire is unknown.
UNIFIL called on all actors to refrain from activities in areas near their positions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw UNIFIL forces from the combat zone.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry declared Guterres persona non grata.
Israeli forces had targeted UNIFIL positions in two separate attacks last week, leaving four soldiers wounded.
The UN and allies with troops in UNIFIL had reacted strongly to the attacks.
UNIFIL described the attacks as a "serious development" and stated that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed.
France summoned the Israeli Ambassador. Together with Italy and Spain, it issued a statement describing such attacks as "unjustifiable." Canada also stated that the situation is "worrying and unacceptable."
US President Joe Biden said he has asked Israel not to strike UNIFIL forces.
Meanwhile, Russia announced it was "outraged" and demanded that Israel refrain from "hostile actions" against the peacekeepers.