UNIFIL calls for safety of personnel, property in southern Lebanon

BEIRUT (ALETIHAD)

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) urged the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and all actors of their obligations to ensure the UN personnel and property safety and security and respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times. 

In a statement on Sunday, The UNIFIL’s remarks came as an IDF bulldozer deliberately demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence of a UN position in Marwahin.

The statement added, “Yet again, we note that breaching a UN position and damaging UN assets is a flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701. It also endangers the safety and security of our peacekeepers in violation of international humanitarian law.

“The IDF has repeatedly demanded that UNIFIL vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has deliberately damaged UN positions. Despite the pressure being exerted on the mission and our troop-contributing countries, peacekeepers remain in all positions. We will continue to undertake our mandated tasks to monitor and report,” according to the statement.