Israeli troops opened fire at three positions held by UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Thursday.
Two UN peacekeepers have been injured in the incident – though none are Irish.
In a statement on Thursday, UNIFIL said that the peacekeepers were injured after an IDF Merkava tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at its headquarters in Naqoura, “directly hitting it and causing them to fall”.
It added: “The injuries are fortunately, this time, not serious, but they remain in hospital”.
UNIFIL said that in recent days it has seen incursions from Israel into Lebanon in Naqoura with the headquarters and nearby positions repeatedly hit.
In the update, UNIFIL said IDF soldiers also fired on UN position (UNP) 1-31 in Labbouneh where it hit the entrance to the bunker where peacekeepers were sheltering.
The hit saw vehicles and a communications system damaged. An IDF drone was observed flying inside the UN position up to the bunker entrance.
On Wednesday, UNIFIL said IDF soldiers “deliberately fired at and disabled the positions perimeter-monitoring cameras”.
“They also deliberately fired on UNP 1-32A in Ras Naqoura, where regular Tripartite meetings were held before the conflict began, damaging lighting and a relay station,” the statement said.
In its response to the recent incidents, UNIFIL reminded the IDF of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times.
“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701,” it said.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has been briefed on the situation and confirmed that all Irish troops are accounted for and “continue to do their duties with distinction”.
Mr Harris added: “Any firing in the vicinity of UNIFIL troops or facilities is reckless and must stop”.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he expects a comprehensive report on this morning’s developments.
He said the incident highlights the need for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon but added that Israel is not listening to its allies.
Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Martin said all Irish troops are accounted for.
Mr Martin said the bombardment of densely populated areas must stop saying “too many innocent people are being killed” with a further one million displaced.
Hezbollah said earlier it had targeted an Israeli tank with guided missiles while it was advancing to the border area of Ras al-Naqoura, before attacking an Israeli force with a missile salvo while the force was trying to pull injured soldiers out of the area.
UNIFIL had said on Sunday that it was “deeply concerned by recent activities” by the Israeli military near a peacekeeper position in southwestern Lebanon.
