Rome, 12 April (LaPresse) – ‘On two occasions today, soldiers from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) rammed UNIFIL vehicles with a Merkava tank, causing significant damage in one instance’. The UN mission itself reported this in a post on X. ‘The soldiers,’ it explained, ‘had blocked a road in Bayada used to reach UNIFIL positions.’ ‘In recent days, Israeli soldiers have repeatedly blocked the movements of UN peacekeepers on this road, in addition to restrictions on freedom of movement recorded in other areas,’ UNIFIL added. “Since early April, Israeli soldiers have also destroyed security cameras at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and at five other posts along the Blue Line, from Ras Naqoura to Maroun ar Ras. On Saturday, they also sprayed paint on the windows of the pedestrian access gate to headquarters, obstructing visibility of the outer perimeter,‘ the peacekeepers further reported. ’These actions are incompatible with Israel’s obligations under Resolution 1701 and with the requirement to ensure the safety of peacekeepers, as well as their freedom of movement at all times. They hinder the peacekeepers’ ability to report violations committed by both sides on the ground,” UNIFIL added. “The peacekeepers will remain in place and continue to report impartially to the Security Council any violations we observe,” it concluded.