Preliminary findings by an inner U.N. inquiry counsel Israeli tank fireplace hit a U.N. place in southern Lebanon on March 6, wounding Ghanaian peacekeepers, in keeping with a Western navy supply, underscoring the rising dangers as Israeli operations increase.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission referred to as UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to observe hostilities alongside the demarcation line with Israel — an space that’s on the coronary heart of clashes between Israeli troops and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.
The mission, which shall be halted on the finish of 2026, has been sporadically caught within the crosshairs of each Israel and Hezbollah over the past couple of years, however with Israel contemplating a broader floor operation, the dangers may very well be higher within the coming weeks.
Lebanon was pulled into the struggle in West Asia when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel that ignited a brand new Israeli offensive towards the group.
Three shells fired from Israeli tank
Based on the supply, the preliminary conclusions led by UNIFIL’s Power Commander Reserve with assist from explosive ordnance disposal specialists indicated that three strikes on the al-Qawzah base had been direct hits from the principle gun of an Israeli battle tank.
Iran-Israel struggle LIVE updates – March 18, 2026
They had been fired utilizing 120-mm M339 HE-MP-T shells, the supply stated.
“Israeli involvement within the assault towards UNIFIL is plain, provided that these munitions are manufactured by Israel Navy Industries (IMI),” the supply stated.
Ghanaian peacekeepers wounded
The findings of UNIFIL’s probe haven’t been beforehand reported. UNIFIL had stated on March 6 that Ghanaian peacekeepers had been wounded amid heavy firing and referred to as the incident “unacceptable,” however didn’t say on the time who was accountable.
“That investigation isn’t but full. As soon as it’s finalized, it is going to be shared with the events, per traditional observe,” stated UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel.
“Nonetheless, we reiterate the duty of all actors to make sure the security and safety of peacekeepers and keep away from hurt to civilians. Any deliberate assault on peacekeepers is a grave violation of worldwide humanitarian legislation and a violation of decision 1701.”
Israel’s navy didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark. IMI couldn’t instantly be reached for remark. Elbit Techniques, a significant Israeli protection contractor that owns IMI, additionally didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The Lebanese prime minister’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Highlighting the issues surrounding U.N. peacekeepers, UNIFIL stated on Sunday that one other group of peacekeepers had been probably fired upon earlier that day on three separate events in southern Lebanon, “probably by non-state armed teams.” It stated no peacekeepers had been injured.
UNIFIL potential to hold out mission examined
The M339 HE-MP-T spherical can be utilized in anti-personnel, anti-helicopter, anti-materiel, anti-armour and anti-structure roles.
The pictures had been fired inside a five-minute window, indicating repeated fireplace fairly than a single stray spherical, the supply stated, including that the bottom’s location and coordinates had been well-known to all events working within the space, elevating severe issues over the security of U.N. personnel.
Three Ghanaian troopers had been wounded, in keeping with the Ghanaian military.
“This escalation, removed from being remoted, is a part of a worrying dynamic, severely testing UNIFIL’s potential to hold out its peacekeeping mission,” the supply stated.
The Israeli navy occupies 5 posts inside Lebanon and regardless of a ceasefire final yr had often carried out airstrikes within the nation’s south that it says are concentrating on Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
U.N. Safety Council Decision 1701, amongst different provisions, states that no armed forces needs to be working in southern Lebanon besides the U.N. peacekeepers and the Lebanese navy.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of making an attempt to rearm and the Lebanese armed forces of failing to disarm the group.
Printed – March 18, 2026 08:09 am IST