Politics Switzerland calls on Israel to halt attacks against Unifil in Lebanon
Switzerland has called on the Israeli army to immediately cease all attacks on the UN observer mission Unifil in Lebanon, according to a statement issued by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday evening. Three Swiss blue berets are also stationed in Lebanon.
13.10.2024, 21:49
SDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) also called for the protection of UN facilities to be respected and for international law to be complied with. "We also call on all parties to work towards an immediate ceasefire," the statement on the online portal X continued.
According to the United Nations (UN), Israeli tanks violently entered a Unifil base in southern Lebanon on Sunday. Two tanks destroyed the main gate of the post in Ramja, not far from the Israeli border, early in the morning, explained Unifil (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon).
Around two hours later, another incident occurred at the same location. According to the Unifil statement, shots were fired there from which "smoke" escaped. 15 members of the peacekeeping forces had suffered skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems as a result.
The Israeli military said that a tank transporting wounded soldiers and under fire had penetrated a few meters into the Unifil base while turning. In addition, smoke grenades had been detonated to secure the evacuation of the wounded soldiers. The tank then left the base.
Of the three Swiss blue berets, i.e. unarmed observers, currently stationed in Lebanon, all are safe and sound. This was confirmed by Daniel Seckler from the Swiss Armed Forces Competence Center for Operations Abroad Swissint to the Keystone-SDA news agency on Sunday evening. Over the past few days, several Unifil members have been reported injured after being shot at, in some cases from unknown directions.
