UN official says Israeli army destroyed 17 peacekeeper cameras in south Lebanon in 24 hours, damaging headquarters and endangering personnel.
BEIRUT: Israeli forces destroyed 17 surveillance cameras belonging to United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon within a 24-hour period.
A UN security official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the cameras were linked to the force’s main headquarters in the coastal town of Naqura.
The incident occurs amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have repeatedly placed the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the crossfire.
UNIFIL spokeswoman Kandice Ardiel stated that Israeli soldiers have been conducting demolitions in Naqura since the start of the week.
“Not only have these demolitions destroyed civilian homes and businesses, but the strength of the blasts have caused damage to UNIFIL’s headquarters,” she added.
The force also reported an explosion at one of its bases near Odaisseh on Friday, wounding three personnel.
The Israeli army accused Hezbollah of firing the rocket that caused that blast.
Indonesia confirmed its peacekeepers were wounded and condemned the incident as “unacceptable”.
Three Indonesian peacekeepers have been killed in separate incidents over the past week.
“This has been a difficult week for peacekeepers,” Ardiel said in a statement.
She reminded all parties of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.
According to the UN, 97 of its force members have been killed since UNIFIL’s establishment in 1978.
