A United Nations internal investigation has concluded that Israeli military tank rounds struck a UN peacekeeping facility in southern Lebanon earlier this month, injuring three Ghanaian soldiers, according to a Western military source familiar with the findings.
The preliminary investigation results from the March 6 incident at the al-Qawzah base indicate that three direct strikes came from an Israeli battle tank’s main weapon system, the source revealed. The tank fired 120-mm M339 HE-MP-T ammunition during the attack.
“Israeli involvement in the attack against UNIFIL is undeniable, given that these munitions are manufactured by Israel Military Industries (IMI),” the source stated.
The UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, operates in southern Lebanon to oversee tensions along the border with Israel, an area that has become a flashpoint for confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants backed by Iran.
When the incident occurred on March 6, UNIFIL officials described the wounding of Ghanaian peacekeepers during intense fighting as “unacceptable” but did not initially identify who was responsible for the attack.
UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel confirmed the investigation remains ongoing. “That investigation is not yet complete. Once it is finalized, it will be shared with the parties, per usual practice,” Ardiel said.
“Nonetheless, we reiterate the obligation of all actors to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers and avoid harm to civilians. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a violation of resolution 1701,” she added.
Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the incident. Israel Military Industries and Elbit Systems, the defense contractor that owns IMI, also have not responded to inquiries. Lebanese government officials similarly have not commented.
The military source explained that the specialized ammunition used can target personnel, helicopters, equipment, armored vehicles, and structures. The three rounds were fired within a five-minute timeframe, suggesting deliberate targeting rather than an accidental stray shot.
The source emphasized that all military forces in the region know the exact location and coordinates of the UN base, which raises significant safety concerns for international personnel stationed there.
“This escalation, far from being isolated, is part of a worrying dynamic, severely testing UNIFIL’s ability to carry out its peacekeeping mission,” the source explained.
The incident highlights growing dangers facing UN peacekeepers as Israeli military operations continue to expand in the region. Lebanon became involved in the broader Middle East conflict when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks against Israel, prompting Israeli military responses against the group.
UNIFIL reported another concerning incident on Sunday, stating that peacekeepers likely came under fire three separate times from “non-state armed groups,” though no injuries occurred in those attacks.
The peacekeeping mission, scheduled to conclude at the end of 2026, has repeatedly found itself caught between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. Israeli officials maintain control of five positions within Lebanese territory and continue conducting airstrikes in southern Lebanon, claiming they target Hezbollah militants.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 specifies that only UN peacekeepers and Lebanese military forces should operate in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have consistently accused Hezbollah of attempting to rearm while criticizing Lebanese forces for failing to disarm the militant organization.
