Israel Hezbollah live updates: Peacekeepers wounded by IDF strikes in Lebanon

Two UN peacekeepers were injured after the Israeli military “repeatedly” fired at UNIFIL headquarters raising alarm bells at the White House. Follow live updates.

The White House says it is “deeply concerned” after the Israeli military said its forces opened fire in the area where UN peacekeepers have their headquarters in south Lebanon.

“We understand Israel is conducting targeted operations near the Blue Line to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure that could be used to threaten Israeli citizens,” the spokesperson said, referring to the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

“While they undertake these operations, it is critical that they not threaten UN peacekeepers’ safety and security.”

The IDF insists that Hezbollah fighters were operating nearby.

The military said Hezbollah “operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near UNIFIL posts”.

Earlier on Thursday local time the mission said two peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired toward an observation post at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqura.
It comes as Israel repeatedly pounded Beirut’s city centre for a third time since moving in.
“The Israeli enemy’s attacks on the capital Beirut this evening resulted in a new toll of 22 people killed and 117 injured,” the ministry said in an updated toll statement.

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Originally published as Israel Hezbollah live updates: Peacekeepers wounded by IDF strikes in Lebanon