The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed on Tuesday that Hezbollah had launched a rocket at the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). UNIFIL reported that several casualties have occurred.

Earlier today, a report was received regarding damage caused to UNIFIL’s Headquarters in the area of Naqoura, southern Lebanon. An examination determined that Hezbollah launched a rocket from the Hallousiyyeh El Faouqa area which hit the @UNIFIL_ Headquarters.

UNIFIL reported a… pic.twitter.com/OhE6VpkuUI

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 29, 2024

The full text for the X-post is:

Earlier today, a report was received regarding damage caused to UNIFIL’s Headquarters in the area of Naqoura, southern Lebanon. An examination determined that Hezbollah launched a rocket from the Hallousiyyeh El Faouqa area which hit the @UNIFIL_ Headquarters. UNIFIL reported a number of casualties resulting from the rocket impact on its headquarters. The Hezbollah terrorist organization continues to systematically violate international law, endangering both Israeli civilians and international organizations operating in the region.

Austria’s Defense Ministry confirmed that eight Austrian personnel present on the scene received minor injuries.

UNIFIL was established in 1978 to oversee the disarming of Hezbollah and prevent human and weapons smuggling into Lebanon. It also allowed the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon. UNIFIL is made up of 10,000 “peacekeepers”, who come from 46 countries. UNIFIL’s Mission Statement includes:

Acting in support of a request from the Government of Lebanon to deploy an international force to assist it in exercising its authority throughout the territory, authorizes UNIFIL to take all necessary action in areas of deployment of its forces and as it deems within its capabilities, to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind, to resist attempts by forceful means to prevent it from discharging its duties under the mandate of the Security Council, and to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Lebanon, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.

Uncertain is whether the United Nations will respond to this attack (unlikely), or if Israel will (more likely).

There has been no official comment by the Harris/Biden Administration as of this date.

It is important to note that this situation is still developing. As always, we will provide you with updates as the situation warrants.