Peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have accused Israeli occupation forces of ramming UNIFIL vehicles with a Merkava tank, causing significant damage, and of blocking a road in Bayada used to access positions.
According to UNIFIL officials, Israeli soldiers have fired "warning shots" in the area over the past week, striking and damaging clearly identifiable UNIFIL vehicles, with one such shot landing just a metre away from a dismounted peacekeeper.
The confrontations occurred near Bayada, where Israeli troops had blocked a key access road used by UNIFIL personnel to reach their operational positions.
UNIFIL further stated that Israeli forces have repeatedly obstructed the movement of peacekeepers, not only in Bayada but in several other locations along the Blue Line, raising serious concerns over operational restrictions.
In a separate development, Israeli soldiers have allegedly damaged surveillance infrastructure critical to UN operations.
Since early April, force protection cameras at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura and at five additional positions stretching from Ras Naqoura to Maroun al-Ras have reportedly been destroyed.
Israeli soldiers also spray-painted the windows at the headquarters' pedestrian access gate, obstructing visibility of the surrounding area.
UNIFIL officials emphasized that these actions are inconsistent with Israel's obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the safety, security, and unrestricted movement of peacekeepers.
The restrictions, they warned, significantly hinder the mission's ability to monitor and report violations by all parties on the ground.
Despite the escalating situation, UNIFIL confirmed that its peacekeepers will remain deployed across their positions and continue to carry out their mandate, including impartial reporting to the United Nations Security Council.
Meanwhile, the overall death toll from the Israeli attack on Lebanon has surpassed 2,000.
In its latest tally, the Health Ministry reported that at least 2,020 people have been killed and 6,436 others wounded since Lebanon was drawn into the US-Israel war on Iran on March 2.
Hezbollah launched rocket fire at Israel in support of its backer Iran, sparking massive Israeli strikes and a ground invasion.