UNIFIL slams Israeli grenade attacks near peacekeepers and Lebanese soldiers
The Israeli army on Thursday dropped grenades near UNIFIL peacekeepers working alongside Lebanese soldiers to provide security for civilian workers in the southern border town of Maroun al-Ras, UNIFIL said on Friday.
The workers were trying to clear ruins of homes destroyed in the latest war.
"Around 11:30 am, peacekeepers at two different sites heard a grenade explode near an excavator, about 500 meters away from them. Moments later, the first group saw a drone fly overhead and witnessed an explosion about 30-40 meters away. About 20 minutes after that, the second group saw another drone drop a grenade that exploded just 20 meters over their heads," UNIFIL said in a statement.
It noted that it had informed the Israeli army about the activity in advance, and immediately demanded that the firing stop.
"Fortunately, no one was injured, and the works eventually continued," UNIFIL added, noting that "attacks on peacekeepers or interference with their mandated tasks shows disregard for the safety and security of UNIFIL peacekeepers and the Lebanese army, and the stability they are working to restore in south Lebanon."
"Such actions also constitute a serious violation of Security Council resolution 1701. We call on the IDF (Israeli army) to cease attacks on or near peacekeepers, civilians, and Lebanese soldiers and allow us to carry out our mandated tasks without obstruction," it said.
Source: Naharnet
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