UNIFIL denounces an Indonesian ‘blue helmet’ injured by a gunshot and investigates the origin of the shot

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported that an Indonesian member of the mission was injured last Friday night by a gunshot at the mission’s headquarters in the city of Naqoura.

The UNIFIL has not wanted to specify the origin of the shot while waiting to complete the investigation into the incident, which has just begun, but it does indicate that the soldier was hit “due to ongoing military activity nearby,” in reference to the fighting. between Israel and Hezbollah militias.

The unidentified soldier has undergone emergency surgery at the mission hospital in Naqoura and “is now stabilized,” according to UNIFIL itself.

This announcement comes after, this past Friday, two UNIFIL ‘blue helmets’ were injured in a new attack carried out by the Israeli Army against the headquarters, in what until last night was the second incident of this type in 48 hours.

Israel has indicated that the incident was “involuntary” and, although it has promised to investigate the facts “thoroughly,” it has responded to criticism by alleging that there is “an open conflict” in which the Hezbollah militia party uses as “shields.” “to the ‘blue helmets’.

The UNIFIL has also reported this Saturday that buildings near its positions in the town of Ramya (in the municipality of Bint Jbeil, on the border with northern Israel) have recorded “significant material damage due to nearby bombings” during the constant crossings of artillery between Israel and Hezbollah.

“We remind all actors of their obligations to guarantee the protection and security of United Nations personnel and facilities, including avoiding combat activities near UNIFIL positions,” the mission emphasizes in its statement.

EVACUATION REQUEST

Israel has asked UNIFIL to move its troops north and thus leave the Blue Line that serves as the border between Lebanon and Israel, the scene of an Israeli invasion against the Shiite militias of Hezbollah. UNIFIL has responded that all its troops will remain in place.

This comment comes after Irish soldiers from the UN peacekeepers in Lebanon openly rejected the request made by the Israeli Army last week. Israel addressed its request twice: both to the central command of the peacekeeping force and to the countries that form part of it, including Ireland, only to receive a refusal in both ways.

“On September 30, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) informed UNIFIL of its intention to carry out limited ground incursions into Lebanon. They also asked to relocate some of our positions,” explained UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti.

Tenenti has highlighted that “the ‘blue helmets’ remain in all their positions and the UN flag continues to fly.” “We are regularly adjusting our posture and activities and have contingency plans ready to be activated if absolutely necessary,” he explained.

The spokesperson stressed that the safety of the mission’s personnel is an “absolute priority” and has reminded all the actors involved of their obligation to preserve it. “We continue to call on Lebanon and Israel to recommit to Security Council Resolution 1701 with actions, not just words, as the only viable solution to return stability to the region,” Tenenti concluded.