UNIFIL also stated that Israeli forces obstructed a key logistical operation near Meiss el-Jabal. The mission reminded all parties, including the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), of their responsibility to protect UN personnel and respect the inviolability of UN premises.
Israel has called for UNIFIL to withdraw, accusing Hezbollah of using peacekeepers as "human shields," which Hezbollah denies. Despite the tensions, UNIFIL has refused to leave the area.
The conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continues, with Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon. On Wednesday, an Israeli strike on a municipal building in Nabatieh killed at least 16 people. The UN Security Council has urged Israel to safeguard peacekeepers amid global criticism.
UNIFIL, comprising about 10,000 peacekeepers from over 50 countries, faces calls for revised rules of engagement after recent attacks. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto suggested diplomacy could be more effective if Israel halted its military actions.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU expressed serious concerns over Israel’s actions. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 27 deaths and 185 injuries in the past 24 hours, bringing total casualties since Oct. 8, 2023, to 2,367 dead and 11,109 wounded.
