Naqoura: Israeli soldiers have destroyed all security cameras facing the Naqoura headquarters of the UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, the spokesperson for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Kandice Ardiel, said on Saturday. Ardiel stated that the cameras, which are crucial for the safety and security of both military and civilian peacekeepers residing within UNIFIL's Naqoura headquarters, have been completely dismantled since Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, UNIFIL has expressed serious concern over the actions of the Israeli army and has decided to formally protest. Ardiel emphasized the obligation of the Israeli army to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and to uphold the inviolability of UN premises.

In a separate statement, Ardiel confirmed that an explosion on Friday at a UN position in southern Lebanon resulted in injuries to three UN peacekeepers, with two of them sustaining serious injuries. UNIFIL, which has been operational in southern Lebanon since 1978, saw its mandate expanded under Security Council Resolution 1701 following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

The situation remains tense as Israel continues to carry out airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, despite a ceasefire that was supposed to take effect in November 2024. Lebanese authorities report that at least 1,422 people have been killed and 4,294 injured in Israeli attacks since the hostilities resumed.