Two UN Peacekeepers Injured In Israeli Shelling In S. Lebanon

BEIRUT, Oct. 10 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Thursday that an Israeli tank fired on a watchtower in its headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, injuring two members, reported Xinhua.

"This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it and causing them to fall," said the UN agency in a statement, adding that the injuries are not serious, but (the injured) remain in hospital.

The statement noted that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers also fired at a UN position in Labbouneh, hitting the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering, and damaging vehicles and a communications system.

An IDF drone was also sighted flying inside the UN site up to the bunker entrance, it added.

According to the UNIFIL, IDF soldiers deliberately fired at and disabled surveillance cameras around the site on Wednesday.

IDF also deliberately fired at UN observation post 1-32A in Ras al-Naqoura where regular tripartite meetings were held before the conflict, damaging lighting and a relay station.

The UNIFIL urged Israel to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property, noting that "any deliberate attack on peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701."

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been launching an unprecedented, intensive air attack on Lebanon in an escalation with Hezbollah.

--BERNAMA-XINHUA