The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Wednesday that it regrets the incident involving tank fire that impacted a United Nations position in southern Lebanon, causing injuries to Ghanaian peacekeepers.
The military admitted their forces inadvertently struck a facility operated by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) amid a confrontation with Hezbollah fighters earlier this month.
Preliminary findings from investigations linked to the UN indicate that at least three Ghanaian soldiers were hurt when the base located in al-Qawzah was subjected to intense tank shelling.
Israeli officials explained that their troops reacted to missile fire from Hezbollah that had resulted in injuries to two of their personnel, but later they discovered that the source of the missile attack had been misidentified.
"A thorough investigation has confirmed that the artillery fire affecting UNIFIL personnel was accidental," stated the IDF, adding that they have expressed apologies to both Ghana and the United Nations.
UNIFIL, tasked with monitoring tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, previously labeled the incident as "unacceptable," cautioning that any aggression towards peacekeeping forces could breach international humanitarian law.
Investigations revealed that the tanks fired 120mm shells and that the strikes occurred in quick succession, indicating a pattern of sustained fire rather than a singular accident.
This event underscores the escalating dangers faced by UN personnel in southern Lebanon, where there has been an increase in clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters despite a ceasefire pact established last year.
UNIFIL representatives confirmed that their investigation is ongoing and urged all parties involved to ensure the safety of peacekeepers as violence continues to rise in the region.
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