Downing Street has joined a growing chorus of international condemnation, saying it is “appalled” by reports that Israel deliberately fired on peacekeepers in Lebanon.

“It is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” a spokeswoman said.

Asked if Sir Keir Starmer saw the attacks as a breach of international law, she said: “All parties must always do everything possible to protect civilians and comply with international law. But we continue to reiterate that and call for an immediate ceasefire.”

Meanwhile, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said there was “no justification” for the strikes and called them “an inadmissible act”.

The Italian defence ministry has summoned Israel’s ambassador in protest, while the Irish premier has said he is deeply concerned at the reports.

‘A serious development’: UN confirms explosions at peacekeeper base in Lebanon

We reported earlier on a UN source who said Israeli forces had attacked the organisation’s peacekeeper observation post in Lebanon again this morning.

It came after two people from UNIFIL, the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, were injured when Israel fired on them yesterday. 

An official UN statement now appears to have confirmed the second attack, while providing more detail about the incident at the Naqoura headquarters.

“Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower,” the statement said.

“One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is being treated in Naqoura.

“Today, several T-walls at our UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an IDF caterpillar hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position.

“Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.”

The spokesperson added that the attacks again put UN peacekeepers “at very serious risks”.

“This is a serious development, and UNFIL reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times,” they said.

“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).”

Israeli quadcopter fire on school in Gaza refugee camp leaves dozens wounded – Palestinian officials

Dozens of people have been wounded by Israeli quadcopter fire at a school sheltering displaced people in Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, the Palestinian Civil Defence has said.

The agency said crews were transferring those injured to a nearby hospital.

We’ll bring you more details as we get them.