Latest news with #Tenenti
Nahar Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
UNIFIL patrol fires tear gas after clash with Aytit residents
A patrol from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Thursday attempted to enter the southern town of Aytit, but was met with resistance from a group of local youths, the state-run National News Agency reported. According to NNA, the patrol fired tear gas in the direction of the protesters before retreating from the area. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said 'this morning, several individuals in civilian clothes blocked UNIFIL peacekeepers on a planned patrol near Wadi Jilu' and that 'the activity had been previously coordinated with the Lebanese Armed Forces, in support of Lebanon's implementation of Resolution 1701.' 'While the situation was initially calm, the individuals soon began throwing stones at the peacekeepers, who were forced to disperse the crowd with smoke to protect themselves from harm,' Tenenti added, noting that 'the LAF arrived at the scene and the situation was brought under control.' 'As the Lebanese government and army have made clear, peacekeepers can move independently in south Lebanon in performance of their duties to restore security and stability under Resolution 1701. They do not need to be accompanied by Lebanese soldiers,' Tenenti said. Warning that 'any attack on peacekeepers is a serious violation of international law and Resolution 1701,' the spokesman said UNIFIL has requested that the Lebanese authorities bring the perpetrators to justice. 'We will continue impartially monitoring and reporting on violations of 1701, as mandated by the Security Council and requested by the Lebanese government,' Tenenti vowed. Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon frequently accuse the U.N. mission — which was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel's 1978 invasion -- of collusion with Israel. Israel meanwhile accuses the peacekeepers of turning a blind eye to Hezbollah's military activities in southern Lebanon.
Saudi Gazette
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Israeli army fires warning shots at UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon
BEIRUT — The Israeli army fired warning shots at United Nations peacekeepers patrolling near the southern Lebanese town of Rmeish, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Saturday. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident, which took place during a scheduled patrol. In a separate event, an Israeli military patrol reportedly aimed laser beams at UN peacekeepers, raising further concerns about the safety of UN personnel. "Any action that endangers the safety of UN peacekeepers while performing their mandated duties is unacceptable," Tenenti said. The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding the report. The incidents come amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since November 2024, following a surge in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict in September. According to Lebanese authorities, Israel has committed nearly 1,100 violations of the truce, including air and ground incursions that have resulted in at least 92 deaths and more than 285 injuries. UN Security Council Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, mandates a halt to hostilities and the creation of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line — the de facto border — and the Litani River. Only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are permitted to operate in the area. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel has delayed its full military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, missing the original deadline of Jan. 26. The extension to Feb. 18 also passed without full compliance, with Israeli forces still stationed at five border outposts. — Agencies
