UN Peacekeepers Caught in Crossfire: Austria Condemns Attack on Camp Naqoura

Eight Austrian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon were slightly injured in a rocket strike. Austria's Defence Ministry condemned the attack and called for an investigation. The soldiers are part of a logistics unit aiding the UNIFIL mission overseeing hostilities in southern Lebanon between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

Eight Austrian military personnel from the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon suffered minor injuries following a rocket attack on Camp Naqoura, near Israel, confirmed Austria's Defence Ministry on Tuesday. The incident targeted a UNIFIL station responsible for monitoring tensions along the volatile demarcation line with Israel, which has witnessed intense confrontations in recent weeks between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.

Austria, which contributes approximately 180 troops to the 10,000-strong UNIFIL contingent, has strongly condemned the assault, demanding an immediate inquiry. The troops serve in a diverse logistics unit tasked with transport, vehicle maintenance, fuel supply, and firefighting roles. The origins of the attack remain uncertain, and although the injuries were not severe, the event has further complicated the ongoing peacekeeping efforts.

There have been several deliberate attacks on UNIFIL from Israeli forces, as per the United Nations. Israel accuses the UN troops of providing cover for Hezbollah and has requested UNIFIL's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, citing safety concerns - a suggestion that UNIFIL has not accepted thus far. The escalating violence includes ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territories, which they allege target Hezbollah, drawing criticism for being indiscriminate from Lebanese authorities and human rights organizations.

(With inputs from agencies.)