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An Israeli attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon has been condemned as appalling by the UK government.
A Downing Street spokesperson said it was vital peacekeepers were protected and called for an immediate ceasefire across the Middle East.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) said an Israeli tank fired on its headquarters in the town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon on Thursday, hitting an observation tower and wounding two peacekeepers.
The force said its headquarters was affected by further explosions on Friday which injured two more peacekeepers.
“We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” a No.10 spokesperson said.
It comes after at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded as Israel launched fresh airstrikes on central Beirut on Thursday evening, Lebanon’s health ministry has said.
The first strike appeared to target an eight-story apartment block in Ras al-Nabaa, with witnesses reporting continued explosions within the building.
The second strike, in the area of Burj Abi Haidar, is reported to have collapsed an entire building. It was later seen engulfed in flames.
It’s time to get tough on Iran – and help the people overthrow their despotic leaders
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 20:30
What are Israel and Iran’s attack and defence capabilities?
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 19:30
Israel’s airstrike warnings terrify and confuse Lebanese civilians
Israel’s airstrike warnings terrify and confuse Lebanese civilians
As the war between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, Lebanese civilians are increasingly paying the price – and this dangerous reality often becomes clear in the middle of the night: That’s when the Israeli military typically warns people to evacuate buildings or neighborhoods to avoid airstrikes
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 18:30
Rescuers search through rubble after Israel’s strike on central Beirut kills 22
Rescuers search through rubble after Israel’s strike on central Beirut kills 22
Rescuers searched through huge piles of rubble in Beirut after at least 22 people were killed and more than 100 were wounded in Israel’s airstrikes on Lebanon’s capital on Thursday, 10 October, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The first strike appeared to target an eight-storey apartment block in Ras al-Nabaa, with witnesses reporting continued explosions within the building as a large emergency response rushed to the scene. The second strike, in the area of Burj Abi Haidar, is reported to have collapsed an entire building, which was engulfed in flames.
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 17:30
UNRWA chief says many Palestinians camps in Lebanon empty after Israeli strikes
Most Palestinian refugees living in camps in southern Lebanon or near Beirut have fled following escalating Israeli strikes, the head of the United Nations agency on Palestine refugees said.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the agency continued to provide services to the most vulnerable left behind – and that repeatedly fleeing was sadly “part of the history” of Palestinians.
“Now, that’s part, unfortunately, of the plight, but if you compare with what happened also in Gaza recently, you might have heard me describing how people are constantly being moved like pinballs.
“And one of the fears is that we replicate a situation similar to the one we have seen until now in Gaza,” he said.
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 16:19
UK slams Israeli attack on UN peacekeepers
An Israeli attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon has been condemned as appalling by the UK government.
A Downing Street spokesperson said it was vital peacekeepers were protected and called for an immediate ceasefire across the Middle East.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) said an Israeli tank fired on its headquarters in the town of Naqoura in southern Lebanon on Thursday, hitting an observation tower and wounding two peacekeepers.
The force said its headquarters was affected by further explosions on Friday which injured two more peacekeepers.
“We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” a No.10 spokesperson said.
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 15:26
Watch: Rescuers search through rubble after Israel’s strike on central Beirut kills 22
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 14:15
Israeli military chief held security assessment in south Lebanon, army says
Israel’s military chief and the head of its Shin Ben security agency held a security assessment inside southern Lebanon on Thursday, the military said on Friday.
“We continue to operate against the enemy and will not stop until we ensure that we can safely return the residents (evacuated from the north), not just now, but with a future outlook,” said Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi in a video of the gathering released by the military.
“If anyone considers rebuilding these villages again, they will know that it’s not worth constructing terrorist infrastructure because the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) will neutralize them again.”
Alexander Butler11 October 2024 14:08
Starmer ‘appalled’ by reports of UN workers’ targeting
Sir Keir Starmer was “appalled” to hear reports that Israel deliberately fired on peacekeepers in Lebanon.
Asked about reports that Israeli forces fired at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected.
“As you know, we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to suffering and bloodshed. This is a reminder of the importance of us all renewing our diplomatic efforts.”
Asked if the prime minister agrees with Irish leaders that this is a breach of international law, the spokeswoman said: “All parties must always do everything possible to protect civilians and comply with international law. But we continue to reiterate that and call for an immediate ceasefire.”
Tom Watling11 October 2024 13:01
In pictures: Israel airstrikes hit central Beirut
Tom Watling11 October 2024 12:46
