Israeli tank fires on UN peacekeeping watchtower in southern Lebanon

An Israeli tank fired at the U.N. peacekeeping watchtower in Kafr Kila, southern Lebanon, on Wednesday, according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“This morning, peacekeepers at a position near Kafr Kila observed an IDF (Israeli army) Merkava tank firing at their watchtower,” UNIFIL stated.

The attack resulted in the destruction of two cameras and damage to the tower, which UNIFIL described as a “direct and apparently deliberate” assault on its position.

UNIFIL emphasized the need for the Israeli army and all parties involved to fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety and security of U.N. personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of U.N. premises at all times.

This incident follows reports on Sunday of Israeli tanks entering a U.N. post, marking a troubling trend in which several peacekeepers have been injured in recent weeks.

Over the past week, Israel has repeatedly targeted UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, raising international concerns and fears about broader military objectives.

Since September 23, Israel has launched a significant air campaign in Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah targets, resulting in over 1,500 fatalities and the displacement of more than 1 million people.

This escalation follows a year of cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and a major offensive in the Gaza Strip that has left over 42,400 people dead, predominantly women and children, since a Hamas attack last year. Israel expanded the conflict on October 1 by initiating an incursion into southern Lebanon.