The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that an Israeli army bulldozer demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence at a UN position in Marwahin, southern Lebanon, on Sunday. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and security of UN personnel in the region.
In a statement, UNIFIL condemned the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), asserting that they “deliberately demolished” the watchtower and surrounding fence. The mission reminded the IDF and all parties involved of their obligations to protect UN personnel and property, emphasizing that such violations undermine the inviolability of UN premises.
This incident constitutes a clear violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701, which was unanimously adopted to end the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and establish a framework for security along the Israel-Lebanon border. UNIFIL noted that the IDF has repeatedly requested the peacekeeping force to vacate its positions along the Blue Line, further indicating a pattern of hostility towards UN operations.
Despite these pressures, UNIFIL reaffirmed its commitment to remaining in all its positions and continuing its mandated tasks of monitoring and reporting on the situation in the area.
Rising Security Incidents
The demolition of the UN observation tower comes amid escalating tensions, with five peacekeepers injured in various incidents over the past few days. Just four days prior, UNIFIL reported that peacekeepers at a position near Kafer Kela observed an IDF Merkava tank firing at their watchtower, resulting in damage to two cameras and the tower itself. The mission described this as “direct and apparently deliberate fire on a UNIFIL position.”
Additionally, on October 13, 15 peacekeepers experienced “smoke effects” after the IDF fired rounds approximately 100 meters from their position, which had been breached just two hours earlier. Multiple UN positions have sustained damage, and essential equipment, such as cameras and lights, has been destroyed.
Top UN officials, including the Secretary-General, have expressed grave concern over these incidents. They reiterated that the safety and security of UN personnel must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected without exception. The Secretary-General also warned that attacks on peacekeepers contravene international law and may constitute war crimes.
As tensions in the region continue to rise, the situation remains precarious for both UN peacekeepers and civilians in southern Lebanon, underscoring the urgent need for a renewed commitment to peace and stability in the area.
