UN "Israel also shelling Lebanese peacekeepers"

U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon say Israeli forces have also shelled military bases with tanks.

The peacekeeping force said Israeli mercaba tanks shelled the peacekeeping watchtower near Kfar Kela in southern Lebanon on the morning of the 16th local time.

He also stressed that all parties, including the Israeli military, have a duty to ensure the safety of UN personnel and to respect the inviolability of UN buildings.

In response, the Israeli military issued a statement claiming that UN military infrastructure and troops were not the target of the attack, and that the military was conducting operations against the terrorist group Hezbollah.

Five peacekeeping soldiers were injured after Israel's ground operations began late last month, while Israel has called for the withdrawal, saying the area where the U.N. forces are stationed is within the scope of the operation.