Israel Admits Tank Fire Injured Ghanaian UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

Israel has confirmed that its forces accidentally fired on a United Nations position in southern Lebanon, injuring Ghanaian peacekeepers, raising concerns about the safety of international personnel in the volatile region.

In a statement to Reuters, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said a “comprehensive investigation” determined that its tank crew misidentified UN personnel as the source of anti-tank missile fire from Hezbollah fighters. The IDF noted its troops were responding to incoming fire that had moderately wounded two Israeli soldiers.

“The IDF regrets the incident and has conveyed its apologies through the appropriate channels to Ghana and the United Nations. The findings of the investigation have been shared within the IDF to prevent similar occurrences,” the statement read.

The attack occurred on March 6 at a UN base in al-Qawzah, part of the operational area of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which monitors hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. The mission has increasingly faced crossfire amid escalating tensions between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

Preliminary findings from a UN-linked investigation, cited by a Western military source, indicated that three shells fired from an Israeli tank struck the base. The munitions, identified as 120mm M339 rounds, were fired in quick succession, suggesting sustained fire rather than a single misfire.

UNIFIL had previously confirmed that Ghanaian peacekeepers were wounded in the incident, calling it “unacceptable” while investigations were ongoing. Mission spokesperson Kandice Ardiel stressed the obligation of all parties to ensure peacekeeper safety and avoid civilian harm, noting that any deliberate attack on peacekeepers violates international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Ghana’s military authorities reported that three Ghanaian soldiers were injured. The incident has drawn attention in Ghana, given the country’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.

The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions, following Hezbollah rocket attacks into Israel and subsequent retaliatory strikes. Despite a ceasefire agreement last year, Israeli forces continue targeted operations in southern Lebanon, citing efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

UNIFIL has also reported other instances of peacekeepers coming under fire, likely from non-state armed groups, highlighting the increasingly hazardous environment for the mission. Security analysts warn that continued escalation could undermine UNIFIL’s mandate, especially as it approaches its scheduled conclusion in 2026.

The latest incident is expected to intensify diplomatic discussions between the UN, Israel, and troop-contributing countries, including Ghana, focusing on the protection of peacekeepers and adherence to international humanitarian law.