• Source:JND
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As the security situation worsens along the Israel-Lebanon border, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called on the United Nations to evacuate its UNIFIL peacekeeping troops from combat zones in Lebanon. He noted that the military had repeatedly requested the evacuation, stating that the soldiers' presence made them hostages of Hezbollah.

Netanyahu further expressed Israel's regret for the 'harm caused' to soldiers at UN outposts, stating that the Israel Defense Forces had 'repeatedly' asked for their evacuation. He stated that the easiest way to prevent further harm would be to 'remove them from the danger zone'.

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon reported that Israeli tanks breached a gate to access a Blue Helmet position on Sunday, following an incident the day before that had obstructed their movement.

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"At around 4:30 am(7 am IST), while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF  Merkava tanks destroyed the position's main gate and forcibly entered the position in the Ramia area of southern Lebanon," the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission said.

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The UNIFIL peacekeeping mission stated that they repeatedly requested a base to turn off its lights, and the Israeli tanks departed approximately 45 minutes later after UNIFIL raised concerns through their liaison mechanism.

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Approximately two hours later, peacekeepers reported gunfire from 100 meters away that produced smoke. Despite wearing protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues due to the smoke entering the camp and are currently receiving treatment.

"Lebanon condemns (Benjamin) Netanyahu's stance and the Israeli aggression towards UNIFIL peacekeepers," stated Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. He criticised Netanyahu's statement, stating it “marks a new phase in the enemy's disregard for international norms”.