Israel demolishes UNIFIL watchtower in southern Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of deliberately demolishing a watchtower and perimeter fence of a UN position in Marwahin, southern Lebanon.

"Yet again, we note that breaching a UN position and damaging UN assets is a flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolution 1701. It also endangers the safety and security of our peacekeepers in violation of international humanitarian law," UNIFIL said in a statement. 

It added, "The IDF has repeatedly demanded that UNIFIL vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has deliberately damaged UN positions."

The force reiterated its steadfastness in maintaining its positions in Lebanon and will continue its mandated tasks. 

UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon have come under direct Israeli fire multiple times since Israel launched a ground incursion in early October, injuring at least five members of its international force.

Israeli forces stormed a UNIFIL base in the south on October 13, resulting in widespread condemnation by member states. 

On Wednesday, UNIFIL said that an Israeli tank had fired on one of its watchtowers. 

 UN Secretary-General Guterres paid tribute to UNIFIL's peacekeepers, who "remain in all positions," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement issued later on Sunday, adding that "the UN flag continues to fly."

Israel claims Hezbollah operates near the UN forces' positions, an allegation repeatedly rejected by the Iranian-backed armed group.

UNIFIL is mandated by the UN Security Council and consists of 10,000 members from 50 countries.