LONDON, Oct. 12, (Xinhua/GNA) — A Downing Street spokesperson said on Friday, that the British government is “appalled” by reports of Israel, firing at the positions of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.
“We were appalled to hear those reports, and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” the spokesperson told journalists at the daily Downing Street briefing, reiterating calls for “an immediate ceasefire and an end to suffering and bloodshed.” “It is a reminder of the importance of us all renewing our diplomatic efforts to resolve this,” the spokesperson said, adding that “all parties must always do everything possible to protect civilians and comply with international law.”
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired on the positions of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) on Thursday, injuring two peacekeepers at the mission headquarters in Naqoura, according to a UNIFIL statement.
Israeli soldiers also fired at a second UN position in southern Lebanon, hitting the bunker where peacekeepers were taking shelter and damaging a communication system.
UNIFIL operates along the “Blue Line,” which marks the separation between Israel and Lebanon, and currently includes about 10,000 peacekeepers from 48 contributing countries.
The latest events occurred, amid escalating tensions along the Blue Line.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been launching intensive airstrikes across Lebanon, and has also launched a “limited” ground operation.
The total number of fatalities in Lebanon has exceeded 2,100, with over 10,000 individuals injured, according to Lebanese authorities.
GNA