UNIFIL: We may have to defend ourselves against Israeli attacks

BEIRUT (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Andrea Tenenti, said that “we can defend ourselves against Israeli attacks if we have to, but at the moment we are trying to reduce tensions.”

Speaking at a press conference, Tenenti said that “we’ve been targeted several times, five times under deliberate attack.”

Tenenti also said that an investigation several months ago had detected “a trace of the possible use of white phosphorous” by the Israeli army close to a UNIFIL base. The UN Security Council was aware of the case, he said.

“I think the role of UNIFIL at the moment is more important than ever. We need to be here.”

Tenenti also voiced concerns about civilians remaining in southern Lebanon, whom he said aid workers were struggling to reach because of ongoing Israeli shelling.

“The devastation and destruction of many villages along the Blue Line and even beyond is shocking,” he said, referring to a UN-mapped line separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.