Israeli army removes all cameras facing UN headquarters in Naqoura
Israeli soldiers have destroyed all security cameras facing the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon. The UN peacekeeping mission expressed serious concern and announced a formal protest. A UN spokesperson reminded Israel of its obligation to ensure the safety of UN personnel and respect the inviolability of UN premises. Separately, three peacekeepers were injured in an explosion at a UN position.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported that Israeli military forces have systematically destroyed every security camera pointed at the peacekeeping mission's headquarters in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura. Kandice Ardiel, UNIFIL's spokesperson, confirmed on Saturday that the destruction began on Friday and targeted all cameras responsible for monitoring the safety of both military and civilian peacekeepers residing inside the compound.
UNIFIL lodges formal complaint
Ardiel stated that UNIFIL views the Israeli army's actions with grave concern and has decided to submit an official protest. She reminded Israeli forces of their legal obligation to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and to respect the inviolability of UN premises under international law. The deliberate removal of surveillance equipment has raised questions about Israel's intentions regarding UN monitoring activities along the volatile border.
Three peacekeepers wounded in separate blast
In a separate statement, Ardiel confirmed that three UN peacekeepers were injured in an explosion on Friday at a UN position elsewhere in southern Lebanon. Two of the wounded are reported to be in serious condition. The circumstances of the blast remain unclear, and UNIFIL has launched an investigation.
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Ceasefire violations continue
UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978, with its mandate expanded under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite a ceasefire that took effect in November 2024, Israel launched a new ground offensive and airstrikes in southern Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. Lebanese authorities report that at least 1,422 people have been killed and 4,294 injured in Israeli attacks since that escalation. Türkiye has repeatedly called for the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and for respect for UN peacekeeping missions, warning that Israeli violations risk dragging the entire region into a wider war.
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