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UNIFIL says IDF bulldozer demolished watchtower, fence at UN site in southern Lebanon

By Reuters and ToI Staff 20 October 2024, 9:50 pm 34 Edit
Illustrative: A general view of a base of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the Lebanese-Israeli border, in the southern village of Markaba, on April 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)
Illustrative: A general view of a base of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the Lebanese-Israeli border, in the southern village of Markaba, on April 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)

The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says in a statement that an IDF army bulldozer demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence of a UN position in Marwahin in southern Lebanon earlier today.

“Yet again, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times,” UNIFIL adds.

Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his call for the peacekeepers in southern Lebanon to move from certain areas near the Israeli border, accusing Hezbollah of using UNIFIL positions as cover while it attacks Israel.

He also dismissed as “completely false” claims that Israeli forces targeted UNIFIL.

“The IDF has repeatedly demanded that UNIFIL vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has deliberately damaged UN positions. Despite the pressure being exerted on the mission and our troop-contributing countries, peacekeepers remain in all positions,” today’s statement adds.

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