The United Nations peacekeeping forces spokesperson Nick Birnback, as stated by the New York Times on Sunday, indicated that the Israeli Army is endangering UNIFIL forces by positioning its troops near their location during the ground operation in southern Lebanon.
"This is a very serious development, and it is unacceptable to put the safety of UN peacekeepers at risk while they are carrying out their duties as mandated by the Security Council,” Birnback said.
He revealed that "Israel requested the peacekeeping forces to redeploy when the operation began, which was refused, and this issue is now being discussed at UN headquarters and with the Israeli Army." On Friday, Birnback said that the United Nations had made a formal notification about its concerns to Israel’s permanent mission in New York.
Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for the UNIFIL, indicated that the Israeli military had been directing fire towards Hezbollah positions in the area, thereby exposing the peacekeepers to heightened risks.
Tenenti mentioned that the Israeli military had requested UNIFIL to move its staff due to their operations in southern Lebanon; however, the UN mission opted to remain in place.
"We were informed by the Israeli Army about a restricted advance," he stated. "Despite this, we have chosen to maintain our current position."
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