France Demands Israel's Explanation Of Attacks In Lebanon That Injuring UN Troops

UN peacekeeping Force (UNIFIL)/PHOTO via Wikimedia Commons

JAKARTA - France awaits an explanation from Israel after UN peacekeeping forces became targeted in Lebanon. Two UN troops were injured by Israeli tank fire in southern Lebanon.

"France expressed deep concern following Israel's fire on the UN Temporary Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and condemned any attacks on UNIFIL security," the French foreign ministry said.

The French Foreign Ministry said none of its 700 troops on a peace mission in Lebanon were injured.

"We are waiting for an explanation from the Israeli authorities. Protection of peacekeeping forces is an obligation that applies to all parties in conflict," he added.

Two UN peacekeepers were injured in Lebanon after Israeli tanks shot at the observation tower at the UN Temporary Forces headquarters in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the southern Lebanese city of Naqurara.

This morning, two peacekeepers were injured after the Mercava IDF tank (Israeli Defense Force) fired its gun at an observation tower at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqura, immediately hit it and caused them to fall. Fortunately, this time the injuries were not serious, but they are still being treated in hospital," UNIFIL said.

Israeli troops also opened fire on another UN position at Ras Naqurara and hit the bunker entrance where peacekeepers protected damaged vehicles and communication systems, the mission added.