Isreal Defense Forces Said on Wednesday that “it regrets the incident” after tank fire struck a United Nations position in southern Lebanon wounding Ghanaian peacekeepers.
Israel’s military acknowledged that its troops mistakenly hit a base operated by the UN peacekeeping mission, United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon during an exchange of fire with Hezabollah fighters earlier this month.
At least three Ghanaian soldiers were injured when the base in al-Qawzah came under repeated tank fire, according to preliminary findings from a UN linked investigation and military sources.
The Israeli military said its forces had responded to anti-tank missile fire from Hezbollah that wounded two of its soldiers, but later determined that its troops had misidentified the source of the attack.
“A comprehensive investigation concluded that the fire that hit UNIFIL personnel was mistakenly carried out,” the IDF said, adding that apologies had been conveyed to both Ghana and the United Nations.
UNIFIL, which monitors hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, had earlier described the incident as “unacceptable” and warned that any attack on peacekeepers could violate international humanitarian law.
Investigators found that the strikes were carried out using 120mm tank shells and occurred within a short time frame, suggesting sustained fire rather than an isolated misfire.
The incident highlights growing risks to UN personnel as tensions escalate in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have engaged in frequent clashes despite a ceasefire agreement last year.
UNIFIL officials say their investigation is ongoing, while urging all parties to ensure the safety of peacekeepers as violence in the region continues to intensify.
Goodness Anunobi
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