Israeli #Tanks #Force #Entry at UNIFIL #Base Amid #Growing #Tensions in #Southern #Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that two Israeli tanks forced their way into a UN position in southern Lebanon on Sunday, destroying the main gate and entering the base. The tanks left soon after, but shells exploded nearby, releasing toxic smoke that sickened 15 peacekeepers, despite them wearing gas masks. The Israeli military claimed that the tanks were retreating under fire from Hezbollah and were evacuating casualties when the incident occurred. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the UN to withdraw its peacekeepers from combat zones, claiming that their presence inadvertently shields Hezbollah fighters. However, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned this request as a violation of international norms. As Israeli bombardments and ground assaults continue in Lebanon, the safety of UNIFIL peacekeepers remains at risk. Five peacekeepers have already been wounded, leading to increased calls for Israel to cease targeting UN positions.