UNIFIL: An IDF tank fired at a peacekeeping observation post in the Kafr Kila area

The UNIFIL peacekeeping mission reported in its Telegram channel that on the morning of October 16, the Blue Helmets observation tower near the village of Kafr Qila was fired upon by an Israeli tank. The shot destroyed two video cameras and damaged the observation post itself.

UNIFIL believes that the attack was deliberate. “We remind the IDF of its obligations to ensure the safety of UN personnel and property,” the statement said.

This is not the first time UNIFIL forces in Lebanon have come under fire. After one of the incidents, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “the only way to ensure the safety of the UNIFIL contingent is to listen to Israel’s request and temporarily withdraw from the danger zone.” Netanyahu stressed that Israel is not fighting either UNIFIL or Lebanese citizens. “We are at war with the Iranian stronghold, Hezbollah, which is using Lebanese territory to attack Israel. Hezbollah attacked Israel without any provocation on our part a year ago, on October 8, the day after the Hamas massacre, and with “Hezbollah has been using UNIFIL targets and positions as cover for attacks on Israeli cities and towns since then, launching more than 10,000 rockets and shells into Israel. These attacks have claimed the lives of many Israelis, including yesterday,” the prime minister said. Israeli minister, emphasizing that Israel has every right to defend itself against Hezbollah and will continue to do so.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix told reporters on October 15 that UNIFIL troops, despite Israeli calls for redeployment, will remain in their positions in southern Lebanon.

“To fulfill the Security Council’s mandate and provide assistance to civilians, it is necessary that the blue helmets remain in place,” the international official told reporters.