Earlier today, UNIFIL peacekeepers observed two Merkava tanks move from an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) position inside Lebanese territory near Sarda further into Lebanon. The peacekeepers requested through liaison channels that the tanks stop their activity.
Some time later, one of the tanks fired three shells from its main gun, with two impacts approximately 150 meters away from the peacekeepers.
As the peacekeepers moved away for safety, they were continuously tracked with a laser from the tanks.
The tanks left about half an hour later. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
UNIFIL had informed the IDF about the activities in those areas in advance, following usual practice for patrols in sensitive areas near the Blue Line.
Attacks like these on identifiable peacekeepers performing tasks under Security Council resolution 1701 are becoming disturbingly common. Such attacks are a serious violation of resolution 1701.
We again remind the IDF of its obligation to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and to cease attacks on them. This aggression undermines resolution 1701 and the stability that peacekeepers and the parties are working to secure.
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