The UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in south Lebanon issued Sunday the following statement:
"This morning, the Israeli army fired on UNIFIL peacekeepers from a Merkava tank from near a position Israel has established in Lebanese territory.
Heavy machine gun rounds landed approximately five meters from the peacekeepers, who were on foot and had to take shelter in the terrain.
Peacekeepers asked for the firing to stop through UNIFIL’s liaison channels. They were able to leave safely thirty minutes later, when the tank withdrew inside the Israeli army position. Fortunately, no one was injured.
This represents a serious violation of Security Council resolution 1701.
We once again call on the Israeli army to cease any aggressive behavior or attacks on or near peacekeepers, who are working to support the return to stability that both Israel and Lebanon say they seek."
"This morning, the Israeli army fired on UNIFIL peacekeepers from a Merkava tank from near a position Israel has established in Lebanese territory.
Heavy machine gun rounds landed approximately five meters from the peacekeepers, who were on foot and had to take shelter in the terrain.
Peacekeepers asked for the firing to stop through UNIFIL’s liaison channels. They were able to leave safely thirty minutes later, when the tank withdrew inside the Israeli army position. Fortunately, no one was injured.
This represents a serious violation of Security Council resolution 1701.
We once again call on the Israeli army to cease any aggressive behavior or attacks on or near peacekeepers, who are working to support the return to stability that both Israel and Lebanon say they seek."
