A spokesperson for UN secretary general Antonio Guterres says attacks against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon “may constitute a war crime”.
There have been a growing number of encounters between Israeli forces and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers in recent days.
A series of strikes have hit peacekeeping positions and personnel, most of them blamed on Israeli forces. A total of five peacekeepers have been wounded.
Israel has repeatedly urged UNIFIL to withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon where fighting it taking place, though it has steadfastly refused.
“UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
“The secretary general reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted.
“Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.”
IDF: Rockets intercepted over Haifa
Israel’s military says it has intercepted rockets fired from Lebanon towards the Haifa area.
In an update shared on Telegram, it said the air force “successfully intercepted approximately five launches”.
51 people killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon yesterday, says health ministry
The Lebanese health ministry says 51 people were killed and 174 were injured by Israeli strikes in Lebanon yesterday.
It said 14 people were killed and 63 were wounded in southern Lebanon.
A major strike in the southern town of Nabatiyeh killed at least ten people and wounded 50, it added.
The ministry also said that three people died in the eastern Beqaa district, 22 in Mount Lebanon and two in the north of the country.
Israel’s military says it is targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure with its strikes on Lebanon.
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