Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the removal of UN peacekeepers from southern Lebanon. He directed this demand to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In a video statement on Sunday, Netanyahu insisted that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) be relocated immediately. He made this request after several peacekeepers were injured in recent Israeli military actions.
“Mr. Secretary-General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately,” Netanyahu stated. At least five UN peacekeepers sustained injuries in recent days as Israeli forces clashed with Hezbollah in the region. UNIFIL accused Israel of intentionally targeting its personnel.
US Condolences to Israel Over Soldier Deaths
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed condolences to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This came after the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in a Hezbollah drone attack on a military base in northern Israel. Austin emphasized the need for the safety of UNIFIL personnel and the Lebanese Armed Forces. He reiterated the US’s strong commitment to Israel’s security and urged action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Austin stressed the importance of addressing the dire conditions in Gaza. He reaffirmed the US’s “unwavering, enduring, and ironclad commitment to Israel’s security.”
Read: UNIFIL Formed to Oversee Israel’s Withdrawal and Restore Peace
Israeli forces attacked displacement tents at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah. The strike caused a massive explosion. A fire quickly engulfed the tents. As a result, four people have died while 70 others have been injured. Rescue teams are rushing to assist survivors.
Officials expect the death toll to rise as rescue operations continue. The fire spread rapidly, likely fueled by incendiary weapons. Many victims trapped themselves inside the tents.
Fire Destroys Tents at Gaza Hospital
The fire destroyed 20 to 30 displacement tents at the hospital. However, the civil defense teams faced delays because they had been deployed elsewhere earlier. Eyewitnesses reported loud explosions. Flames spread quickly through the plastic and wood materials. Rescue teams are still battling the fire. More deaths are expected as victims remain trapped in the burning tents.
Hezbollah Targets Israeli Forces
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for shelling Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. According to the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar news outlet, the Lebanese armed group attacked an Israeli infantry force trying to cross into Lebanese territory. They also targeted Israeli forces near the Labbouneh area with missiles. There have been no confirmed reports of Israeli casualties from these attacks.
New Zealand Condemns Targeting of UN Peacekeepers
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemned the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, calling it a violation of international law. “Any targeting of UN peacekeepers is completely unacceptable,” Peters said in a statement. He stressed that UNIFIL plays a critical role in stabilizing the region and that Israel’s actions undermine the peacekeeping mission’s ability to mediate and provide humanitarian support.
Israel’s actions have raised tensions, as its forces reportedly destroyed a gate at a UNIFIL base while entering the site forcefully on Sunday.
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