Israeli forces have destroyed 17 surveillance cameras at the main headquarters of the UN in southern Lebanon, a UN security official confirmed on Saturday.
Since March 2, the Israel-Hezbollah conflict has intensified in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has launched attacks on Israel, while Israeli troops have entered border towns. The ongoing fighting has caught the UN in the crossfire.
The destroyed cameras were located in Naqura, a coastal town housing the UN headquarters. The demolitions also caused damage to parts of the UN facility and nearby civilian homes and businesses.
Kandice Ardiel told AFP that Israeli soldiers had conducted “demolitions of large parts” of Naqura. She added that the explosions had affected UN facilities, highlighting the risks faced by peacekeepers.
The violence has resulted in casualties among UN personnel. Three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in two separate incidents this past week. In addition, an explosion at a UN base near Odaisseh injured three personnel. The origin of the blast remains unknown, though Israel blamed Hezbollah for firing a rocket that hit the outpost.
Indonesia condemned the incidents, calling the attacks “unacceptable” and urging stronger protection for UN personnel in conflict zones.
Since its establishment in 1978, the UN force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has lost 97 members while monitoring Israeli withdrawals and maintaining peace in the region. The recent attacks highlight the increasing dangers UN personnel face amid ongoing military operations.
UN officials reminded all parties to respect the safety and security of peacekeepers. They emphasized that combat operations near UN facilities must be avoided to prevent further harm.
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The incidents in southern Lebanon underscore the challenges faced by UN personnel operating in conflict zones. Ensuring their protection remains a priority amid rising regional tensions.
