An IDF Merkava tank fired toward an observation tower at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura Oct. 10, “hitting it directly” and knocking down the two Blue Helmets who were on lookout at the time. UNIFIL’s statement leaves no doubt: The shots were fired at that target. There was no targeting error, no accident; it was an intentional attack, reported Rome daily Il Manifesto.
Eventually, the IDF hit the Italian base 1-31 after a drone flew over it several times, damaging the entrance of the bunker where Italian soldiers were sheltered. The attack has damaged vehicles, communication systems and surveillance cameras. The IDF also hit the 1-32A base, damaging the illumination system and a transmission station. The Italian contingent, with 1,256 soldiers, is the largest one in UNIFIL.
The Foreign Ministry in Rome summoned Israeli Ambassador Jonathan Peled. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the Netanyahu government had given him assurances in the past days that the Israel Defense Forces would not target the UNIFIL force.
China has “strongly condemned” Israel for the attack, and is “gravely concerned” about an attack on UNIFIL forces. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded to a question from Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency today, saying: “Any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and UNSC Resolution 1701. It is absolutely unacceptable and shall be put to an immediate stop. We request investigation into the incident, effort to bring relevant people to account and measures to prevent such incident from happening again. … China urges parties concerned, Israel in particular, to take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions, ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel, and prevent the conflict from further expanding or even spiraling out of control.”
