UNIFIL said in a statement that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s tank rammed its vehicles on two occasions, causing significant damage in one incident. The Israeli troops had also blocked a road in the town of Bayada that was used to access UNIFIL positions.
Over the past week, Israeli soldiers have fired "warning shots" in the area, hitting and damaging clearly marked UNIFIL vehicles. In one incident, a shot landed roughly one meter from a peacekeeper who had exited his vehicle, according to the statement.
The statement added that Israeli forces have repeatedly denied peacekeepers freedom of movement in recent days and destroyed surveillance cameras at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura and five other positions along the Blue Line.
IDF also vandalized facilities at the headquarters by spray-painting the windows of a pedestrian access gate, thereby obstructing visibility of the external perimeter, said UNIFIL.
“These actions are inconsistent with Israel’s obligations under Security Council resolution 1701 and the requirement to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as their freedom of movement at all times,” UNIFIL said.
