Downing Street has expressed alarm over reports that Israel deliberately targeted a United Nations observation post in Lebanon, according to a spokesperson for No.10.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) claimed that Israeli forces attacked its facilities twice within 48 hours amid the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The incidents, involving Israeli tank fire, reportedly wounded two peacekeepers and damaged an observation tower.
A spokesperson for Downing Street said at today’s briefing, “We are appalled by these reports, and it is essential that both peacekeepers and civilians are protected.”
The spokesperson reiterated the UK government’s call for an immediate ceasefire and stressed the need for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the escalating conflict.
When asked if Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the comments from Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris, who accused Israel of violating international law, the spokesperson replied, “All parties must always do everything possible to protect civilians and comply with international law. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire.”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also condemned the attacks, labelling them “inadmissible” and stressing that there was “no justification” for the strikes. Italy’s defence ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador in protest as well.
On Friday, Starmer expressed deep concern about the situation in Lebanon and Gaza, calling for de-escalation and a political solution. He said, “I’m working with allies and colleagues across the globe to ensure we get de-escalation of the situation.”
However, when pressed on whether this would include limiting further arms exports to Israel, Starmer remained vague, noting that 10% of export licences had already been cut last month but that the immediate priority was de-escalation.
The UN reported that another peacekeeper was injured in a separate explosion on Friday, while several blast walls at the Lebanon base were damaged when an Israeli bulldozer hit the perimeter, followed by tanks moving towards the UN facility.
UNIFIL described this as a “serious development” and stressed that “any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law.”
The Israeli government has clashed with the UN over its actions in Gaza, recently banning Secretary-General António Guterres from the country after he repeatedly criticised Israel’s military operations. Guterres has warned that Israeli attacks on Lebanon are destabilising the entire region, calling for restraint as the death toll continues to rise.
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