Arab Canada News
News
Published: October 13, 2024
Hezbollah said on Sunday that its fighters engaged in clashes "within zero distance" with Israeli soldiers while they were infiltrating a Lebanese border town, in the first announcement of its kind since Israel began limited ground incursions into southern Lebanon at the end of last month.
The party stated in a message, "During the attempt of enemy Israeli infantry to infiltrate Kanaan Heights in the town of Bliyda (...), the resistance fighters clashed with them using automatic weapons at zero distance, inflicting casualties among them," alongside another statement adopting "a qualitative rocket launch targeting the Tira Carmel base in southern Haifa."
At least 40 countries expressed their "full" support on Saturday for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), urging to protect its personnel, five of whom were injured within 48 hours.
The countries contributing to UNIFIL said, "We strongly condemn the recent attacks against peacekeepers. Such actions must cease immediately and be investigated properly," according to a message posted by the Polish mission to the United Nations.
The countries, including India and Germany, added, "We urge all parties to the conflict to respect UNIFIL's presence, which requires ensuring the security and safety of all its personnel at all times."
Severe Criticism
Israel faced severe criticism on Friday after the UN force accused its army of firing "repeatedly" and "deliberately" at its positions.
The 40 countries, which also include Italy, Spain, France, Britain, and Ireland, emphasized, "We consider the role of UNIFIL to be critically important, especially in light of rising tensions in the Middle East."
Among the signing countries are Nepal and Indonesia, whose two UNIFIL personnel sustained minor injuries due to gunfire directed at the headquarters of the UN force.
Also among the participants in UNIFIL and signatories of the statement are China, Qatar, and Turkey.
Comments