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Finland censures Israeli attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon

Finland censures Israeli attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon

Finland on Saturday criticised the Israeli gunfire near United Nations peacekeeping patrols, which injured one peacekeeper of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday. “Finland deplores yesterday's (Friday) incident against UNIFIL peacekeepers. UNIFIL is fulfilling its mandate in the region in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The UN should never be a target. We call on all parties to refrain from any violent acts,” the Ministry for Foreign Affairs wrote in a post on its social media platform X. Earlier on Friday, UNIFIL in a statement said heavy machine-gun fire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions south of the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon struck near a patrol inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastarra. The fire followed a grenade explosion in the area. While no UN equipment was damaged, one peacekeeper sustained a minor ear concussion. A separate incident occurred the same day in Kfarchouba, where another patrol on routine operations came under "close-range" machine-gun fire from the Israeli side. UNIFIL emphasized that the IDF had been notified of both patrols' movements in advance, in accordance with established coordination procedures. "Attacks on or near peacekeepers are serious violations of Security Council Resolution 1701," the mission said, urging the IDF to cease "aggressive behavior" against personnel. UNIFIL sites and facilities have previously been targeted during clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, causing injuries.