(MENAFN) UN peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon have accused Israel of opening fire on one of their patrols, condemning the nation for what they described as “aggressive behavior.” Israel acknowledged that the episode took place but maintained that it was accidental and attributed it to adverse weather conditions.

In a statement released on Sunday, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired at personnel operating a Merkava tank.

The statement labeled the event as “a serious violation” of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon that concluded the 2006 war, emphasizing that similar incidents have occurred previously.

“Yet again, we call on the IDF to cease any aggressive behavior and attacks on or near peacekeepers, who are working to support the return to the stability that both Israel and Lebanon say they seek.”

Israel confirmed that its troops had fired at UN personnel but asserted that it was unintentional.

According to the IDF, their soldiers had spotted “two suspects” in the El Hamames region and fired warning shots.

The individuals then withdrew, and no one was hurt.

After evaluating the situation, the IDF stated that the “suspects” were actually UN soldiers conducting a routine patrol in the area and were mistakenly identified due to poor weather conditions.

The military added that “no deliberate fire was directed toward UNIFIL soldiers.”

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