Latest news with #AndreaTenenti
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
UNIFIL condemns attack on patrol in southern Lebanon
BEIRUT: Lebanese authorities on Friday were urged to ensure that UN peacekeepers could carry out their mandated tasks without threats or obstruction. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, 'reminds all actors to avoid actions putting UN peacekeepers in danger,' said its spokesperson Andrea Tenenti. They must respect the inviolability of UN personnel and premises at all times, he stressed. Tenenti said the routine UN peacekeeping patrol was 'pre-planned and coordinated with the Lebanese army.' The UNIFIL statement came after its patrol was attacked on Friday in southern Lebanon by a large group of people wielding metal sticks and axes. The attack took place in the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbet Silim. The peacekeepers were confronted when the group attempted to block their movement using aggressive means, according to the UNIFIL statement. A number of residents in Jmayjmeh in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon prevented the UNIFIL patrol on Friday from reaching a privately owned area in the town. However, the incident escalated into gunfire and the use of smoke grenades. The residents, most of whom are Hezbollah supporters, justified their actions by claiming that 'the patrol was not accompanied by the Lebanese army to complete its mission.' According to journalists in the area and video footage captured by mobile phones, the confrontation escalated to the point where soldiers from the UNIFIL patrol — composed of French, Norwegian, Finnish, and Scottish battalions — fired shots into the air and used tear gas to disperse the crowd, until a Lebanese army patrol arrived and escorted the UNIFIL unit out of the area. According to the National News Agency, the incident resulted in injuries among both UNIFIL personnel and civilians. UNIFIL spokesperson Tenenti, in an official statement issued by the UNIFIL command, described the incident from the perspective of the international forces. He said: 'This morning, a UNIFIL patrol conducting a routine operational activity between the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbat Silim was confronted by a large group of individuals in civilian clothing. 'The individuals attempted to stop the patrol using aggressive means, wielding metal sticks and axes, resulting in damage to the vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. 'In response, UNIFIL peacekeepers used non-lethal force to ensure the safety of both the peacekeepers and those present. 'The Lebanese Armed Forces were informed and promptly arrived at the scene, subsequently escorting the patrol back to base.' He stressed: 'UNIFIL reminds all actors that its mandate provides freedom of movement within its area of operations in south Lebanon, and any restriction on this violates UN resolution 1701, which authorizes the UNIFIL to operate independently — with or without the Lebanese Armed Forces. 'While we always coordinate our operational activities with the Lebanese forces, our ability to conduct these activities independently does not depend on their presence.' He added: 'It is unacceptable that UNIFIL peacekeepers conducting Security Council-mandated tasks are routinely targeted.' UNIFIL reiterated that 'the freedom of movement of its peacekeepers is essential to accomplishing our mandate, which requires us to be able to act independently and impartially.' Since the ceasefire agreement took effect in November 2024, attacks on UNIFIL by Hezbollah supporters have continued and escalated, particularly in recent weeks, under the pretext of preventing the UN force from entering private property. Friday's attacks coincide with the request made by the Lebanese Cabinet last Wednesday to extend UNIFIL's mandate for one year. As usual, the Security Council reviews the request and subsequently renews the mandate of UNIFIL each August. UNIFIL has maintained a presence south of the Litani River since 1978, deploying around 10,000 troops. In August 2022, most of the members of the UN Security Council approved the extension of UNIFIL's mandate after an amendment to the freedom of movement of international peacekeepers. The amendment stated: 'UNIFIL does not require prior authorization or permission to carry out its mandated tasks and is allowed to conduct its operations independently. It emphasized, however, 'coordination with the Lebanese government.' Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, influenced by Hezbollah, had protested against the amendment. Hezbollah's then Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned against adopting the amendment. He said: 'If they (UNIFIL) intend to act independently of the state and the Lebanese army, which is responsible for movement south of Litani, then they are pushing matters in a direction that is not in their interest.' Less than four months after the amendment of UNIFIL's duties, a violent incident — considered the most serious against the peacekeepers — took place in December 2022. An Irish soldier was killed and three others were injured when their armored vehicle was shot at in the Aaqbiyeh area, north of the Litani River, after they lost their way. The investigation into the incident in 2023 led to the issuance of an indictment by the military judiciary, accusing five Hezbollah members of premeditated murder. One of them, Mohammed Ayyad, was arrested, but later that same year, he was released because he was said to be suffering from a terminal illness and did not appear before the judiciary thereafter. Despite Lebanese objections, UNIFIL's mandate was renewed in 2023, without altering the amendment. Hezbollah supporters continued to assault UNIFIL, and incidents have escalated since the ceasefire took effect in November 2024, especially in recent weeks. Lebanon has, however, pledged to increase the army's presence along the southern border and has already expanded its deployment. According to President Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army 'carried out its duties in full south of the Litani River and continues to confiscate weapons and ammunition and to dismantle armed groups.' A government source speaking to Arab News on condition of anonymity said on Friday that 'the new request submitted by the Nawaf Salam government was not accompanied by a request to cancel the amendment rejected by Hezbollah. Instead, it accepted the amendment as it stands. 'Lebanon fears that the US and Israel may seek to add new privileges to UNIFIL in the next mandate extension. "Meanwhile, the French side, as promised, is working to help Lebanon maintain the extension without any additional amendments. 'In the aftermath of war, Israel has been free to carry out attacks on Lebanon with Washington's approval. It has repeatedly expressed its dissatisfaction with UNIFIL's role, which it considers insufficient.' Also on Friday, a statement signed by the 'residents of Jmayjmeh' accused UNIFIL of 'overstepping by entering the vicinity of the town's hills for the second time without being accompanied by the Lebanese army and trespassing onto private property.' According to the statement, the residents 'rushed to inspect the property and asked UNIFIL peacekeepers to retreat and not to go further into the premises. 'However, UNIFIL started quarreling with the residents, throwing tear gas canisters at their eyes and firing bullets, resulting in several injuries.'
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
Saudi Gazette
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Israeli airstrikes kill one, injure five in southern Lebanon
BEIRUT — At least one Lebanese woman was killed and five others injured on Saturday as Israeli airstrikes and shelling targeted several towns across southern Lebanon, in response to rocket fire from Lebanese territory aimed at northern Israel. According to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), an Israeli strike on the town of Toul in southern Lebanon caused one fatality and left three others wounded. The Lebanese Health Ministry later reported two additional injuries in the town of Kfar Kila as a result of Israeli shelling. The border towns of Yahmour al-Shakif in the Nabatieh region, Arnoun, Kfar Tibnit, and Houla also came under attack. NNA confirmed that artillery fire and machine-gun bursts struck towns including Khiam, Markaba, and Kfar Kila, while a rocket landed in Houla. The Israeli military acknowledged conducting airstrikes on Hezbollah-linked targets in southern Lebanon earlier in the day but did not provide further details. The escalation followed Israel's claim that it had intercepted three rockets fired from Lebanon toward the Israeli settlement of Metula in northern Israel — marking the first such attack since a ceasefire between the two sides took effect in November 2024. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti voiced deep concern over the renewed hostilities, warning that 'any further escalation of this volatile situation could have serious consequences for the region.' He urged all parties to avoid undermining recent progress and reiterated that UN peacekeepers remain deployed across all positions in southern Lebanon. The fragile ceasefire, which ended months of intense cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, has been marred by ongoing violations. Lebanese authorities have documented nearly 1,100 Israeli breaches of the agreement, resulting in the deaths of at least 85 people and injuries to more than 280. Under the terms of the deal, Israel was expected to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Israeli refusal to comply. As of now, Israeli forces still maintain a presence at five border outposts. — Agencies
Shafaq News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Israeli strikes target multiple locations in Lebanon
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes near the towns of Nabi Sheet and Shmustar in the Beqaa Valley, Shaara in eastern Lebanon and Jbaa in the south, as well as between the mountainous areas of Taraya and Shmustar, Lebanese media reported. There are no immediate reports of casualties or material damage. Israeli media outlet Channel 14 reported that the airstrikes were aimed at 'Hezbollah-linked sites in eastern Lebanon's Beqaa region.' Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah have not commented. The latest strikes are part of over 1,100 violations of the ceasefire signed in late 2024, killing at least 92 and injuring over 285, according to Lebanese media. The UN expressed concern over daily Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon, urging an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. "It's critical to emphasize the need for the Israeli army to withdraw from southern Lebanon, from the area it currently occupies, and for the Lebanese army to fully redeploy there," UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said, adding that ongoing Israeli airstrikes and military occupation violate both UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty. بالفيديو: غارات إسرائيلية ليلية.. جنوباً وبقاعاً March 20, 2025
Ya Libnan
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes point to a precarious ceasefire
The Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Public Health announced in a statement that 'the Israeli enemy's raid on the town of Yahmor in south Lebanon resulted in the death of one person and the injury of three others.' BEIRUT – As Israel resumes heavy strikes in the Gaza Strip, escalating Israeli attacks in south Lebanon have killed five Hezbollah members in the last few days, according to security sources in Lebanon, underlining the fragility of a U.S.-backed ceasefire. The war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon marked the deadliest spillover of the Gaza war, rumbling across the frontier for months before escalating into a devastating Israeli offensive that wiped out the group's command and many of its fighters, along with much of its arsenal. While the ceasefire brought about a big reduction in the violence, each side accuses the other of failing to fully implement it. Israel says Hezbollah still has infrastructure in the south, while Lebanon and Hezbollah say Israel is occupying Lebanese soil by not withdrawing from five hilltop positions. The Israeli military has reported striking five Hezbollah members in three separate incidents in south Lebanon since March 15. In one of the incidents on Sunday, the Israeli military said it struck two Hezbollah militants 'who served as observation operatives and directed terrorist activities'. Security sources in Lebanon said five Hezbollah members were killed. The Israeli military said on Sunday that a gunshot hit a parked car in the Israeli community of Avivim and that the shot most likely came from Lebanon. No one claimed responsibility. STRIKES DESTROY PREFAB HOUSES In Lebanon, Israeli strikes in two towns on Monday destroyed prefabricated houses brought to the area for people whose homes were destroyed in the war, security sources said. Noting an increase in Israeli strikes in recent days, the UNIFIL peacekeeping force in south Lebanon 'urges all actors to avoid any action that could upset the current delicate calm,' spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said. 'We continue to urge Israeli forces to fully withdraw south of the Blue Line, and we continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in their deployment in the south of Lebanon,' he added. The Blue Line was drawn by the United Nations in 2000, when Israeli forces withdrew from south Lebanon, and separated the country from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The ceasefire agreed in November required Hezbollah to have no weapons in the south and Israeli troops to withdraw as the U.S.-backed Lebanese army deployed into the region. Israel said earlier this month it had agreed to U.S.-backed talks with Lebanon aimed at demarcating the border. It also released five Lebanese held by the Israeli military in what it called a 'gesture to the Lebanese president'. Hezbollah officials have put the onus on the Lebanese state to liberate the remaining land still occupied by Israel. Still, leading Hezbollah official Ali Damoush said on Friday the group would not give up its arms while there was an occupation. Analysts say Hezbollah would have to think very hard before taking any decision to escalate against Israel, noting that its overland resupply route to Iran was severed by the fall of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria and that many of its supporters are homeless because of the devastation caused by the war. 'So far, Hezbollah is keen not to respond and to leave the decision to the government and the Lebanese army,' said Qassem Kassir, a Lebanese analyst close to Hezbollah. (Reuters)
