The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (Unifil, the acronym in English) reported this Saturday that one of its patrols “was hit by gunfire from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the outskirts of Aytaroun.” South Lebanon.
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In a statement published on its
“No peacekeepers were injured, but the vehicle was damaged. This incident occurred during a period of relative calm along the Blue Line,” he said, referring to the Blue Line as the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon.
At around 12 noon today, a UNIFIL patrol near Aytaroun in southern Lebanon was hit by IDF gunfire.
No peacekeepers were injured, but the vehicle was damaged. This incident occurred during a period of relative calm along the Blue Line.
– UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_)
November 25, 2023
Unifil recalled that the day before, the head of the mission and commander of the Unifil force, Spanish Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, called on those who “exchanged fire along the Blue Line to put an end to this vicious circle of violence.” “ “devastating consequences” that a new escalation could bring.
“This attack on peacekeepers aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability in southern Lebanon is deeply worrying. We condemn this act and underline the parties’ responsibility to protect peacekeepers and avoid unnecessary risks to those seeking stability,” the text emphasizes.
The Israeli army, for its part, confirmed that a surface-to-air missile aimed at a surveillance drone was shot down in the early hours of the morning before entering its airspace.
A spokesman said in response: “Israeli Defense Forces fighter jets attacked Hezbollah (Lebanese Shiite group) terrorist infrastructure. An interceptor was also fired during the incident.”
However, Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for the attack and has not announced any action against Israel since the four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into force.
Clashes between the Israeli army and the Lebanese resistance group have intensified since October 7 last year.