The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon said yesterday that its Naqoura headquarters and nearby positions “have been repeatedly hit” by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Irish soldiers were not involved in any of the incidents.

Two peacekeepers were injured after IDF tank fire hit an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters, causing them to fall and suffer non-serious injuries which required hospitalisation, UNIFIL said.

Separately, IDF soldiers fired on UN position (UNP) 1-31 in Labbouneh, damaging vehicles and a communications system, and deliberately fired at and disabled the positions’ perimeter-monitoring cameras.

Soldiers also fired on UNP 1-32A in Ras Naqoura — where regular tripartite meetings with the Israeli and Lebanese militaries were held before the conflict began — and damaged lighting and a relay station.

UNIFIL said: “We remind the IDF and all actors 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.

“UNIFIL peacekeepers are present in south Lebanon to support a return to stability under Security Council mandate. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701.”

In a statement yesterday, Tánaiste and defence minister Micheál Martin said: “I strongly condemn the IDF targeting and firing on UNIFIL positions in Lebanon.

“It is reprehensible and unacceptable to injure peacekeepers and to put them in harm’s way.

“Israel has an obligation to protect peacekeepers and its actions are in breach of international humanitarian law.

“There needs to be full accountability for these actions.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I am deeply concerned by reports that the Israeli Defence Forces have fired at UNIFIL positions at its headquarters in Naqoura. We send our solidarity to the military personnel who suffered light injuries as a result.

“The members of the Irish Defence Forces serving with UNIFIL, both in Camp Shamrock and in posts close to the Blue Line, were not involved and remain well. They are continuing to carry out their mission with distinction, despite the extremely difficult circumstances.

“Firing on peacekeepers can never be tolerated or acceptable. The Blue Helmet worn by UN peacekeepers must be sacrosanct.

“They are serving on behalf of the international community in some of the most challenging places in the world. They are not combatants, and their role must be respected at all times.

“I am being briefed regularly on the safety of our members of the Defence Forces in Lebanon, and will remain in close contact with the UN Secretary General. Their safety remains paramount.

“I again call on all sides for an immediate ceasefire which can facilitate full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and provide security to civilian populations in Israel and Lebanon.”