Israel Files Complaint against Lebanon and Syria over Nakba Day Incidents

Israel filed a complaint with the U.N. Security Council on Monday against Lebanon and Syria over the Nakba Day incidents that took place on Sunday.

Spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry told Agence France Presse: “We filed a complaint to the Security Council and U.N. Secretary General because Lebanon and Syria should be held responsible for violating our borders, international agreements, and U.N. resolutions.”

“Israel had warned the United Nations and international community that May 15 will be sensitive occasion and that some sides will attempt to create provocations through acts of violence,” he added.

“The Syrian and Lebanese authorities did not do a thing to assume their responsibilities despite these warnings,” he continued.

“The Israeli army acted with discipline and we hope that calm along the borders will be restored as soon as possible,” he stressed.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had urged on Sunday Israelis and Arabs to exercise restraint to avoid new clashes along the border.

Twelve people were killed in the Palestinian occupied territories, said a U.N. spokesman.

A U.N. statement said that Syria was the first side to violate the border with Israel.

Lebanon's permanent mission to the U.N. had filed a complaint against Israel with the Security Council over the Nakba Day incidents.

"This attack represents a hostile act and once more highlights Israel's violation of Lebanese sovereignty and disregard of U.N. resolutions," the mission said.

It called on the Security Council to "shoulder its responsibilities in preserving international peace and security and pressuring Israel into stopping its hostile and provocative policies against Lebanon."

It also urged the council to hold Israel accountable for "the killing of civilians."

For his part, caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Shami blasted Israel's "criminal act against unarmed civilians."

"This attack highlights the hostile nature of Israel, which has never abstained from using excessive force against civilians in a blatant violation of international laws and norms, especially the International Humanitarian Law."(naharnet-AFP)