The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)’s deputy spokesperson, Kandice Ardiel, warned again that “actions of the Israeli army and Hezbollah put peacekeepers at risk, whether through crossfire or deliberate acts.”
Since the Israeli army’s incursions into Lebanon started on October 1, UNIFIL soldiers have documented about 20 incidents that have caused damage to UN infrastructure, according to Ardiel.
Five UNIFIL soldiers were injured during “deliberate” Israeli attacks on their positions near the border with Israel.
“The majority of these incidents were attributed to the fire or the actions of the Israeli army, while the source of the remaining incidents is unknown,” she said in an interview with Sky News Arabia on Thursday.
Ardiel also stressed that the Israeli army has “repeatedly targeted our positions, while our troops have been endangered by Hezbollah firing rockets from areas close to our positions.”
Ardiel made clear that “the damage included the demolition of an observation tower, as well as damage to walls, buildings and vehicles, as well as the destruction of surveillance cameras, lighting and fences.”
Additionally, she revealed that “on October 13, the Israeli army released smoke of unknown origin in the Lebanese town of Ramya, causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms.” “Fifteen other peacekeepers developed symptoms after inhaling smoke of unknown origin at UNIFIL headquarters,” she added.
“Due to our lack of testing capabilities, we are unable to determine the nature of this smoke,” she stressed.
Ardiel reminded that all parties have been “repeatedly” reminded by UNIFIL of their legal responsibilities to protect UN property and personnel.
It is noteworthy that UNIFIL has made multiple statements regarding Israeli forces’ targeting of UN troops in South Lebanon.
In a separate statement on the occasion of UN Day, UNIFIL issued a separate statement reiterating commitment to the UN Charter, emphasizing that it “remains strong.”
“Peacekeepers from around 50 countries continue to monitor and report, to ensure safe access for humanitarian aid to people, those displaced or still in their homes in the south,” the statement concluded.
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