Israel Ambassador calls attack on Lebanon-based Ghanaian troops ‘tragic’

Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has described the missile attack on Ghanaian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon as tragic after two soldiers were critically injured.

The incident occurred on the evening of March 6 when the Ghana Battalion Headquarters serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was struck by two missiles within minutes of each other.

According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the missiles hit the base between 17:45 and 17:52 local time. The Officers’ Mess facility at the camp caught fire during the attack and was completely destroyed.

Military authorities said two Ghanaian soldiers sustained critical injuries while a third personnel was left traumatised by the incident.

The injured soldiers are currently receiving treatment at a Level One Medical Bunker within the mission area while arrangements are underway to transfer them to the UNIFIL headquarters referral hospital for further medical care.

Reacting to the development, Ambassador Gilad expressed concern for the injured troops and described the situation as unfortunate.

“This is indeed a tragic event. We send wishes of speedy recovery to the three soldiers,” he said.

He noted that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact source of the fire that triggered the damage at the base.

According to the Israeli envoy, the matter is currently under review by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces said other peacekeeping personnel stationed at the base remain safe. Troops were moved into underground bunkers as a precaution following the strike due to the fragile security situation in the area.

The attack comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East linked to the growing confrontation involving Israel, Iran and allied forces operating across the region.

In response to the incident, the Government of Ghana has lodged a formal protest with the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Authorities say the protest seeks a thorough investigation into the missile strike on the Ghanaian peacekeeping position and assurances that troops serving under UN missions receive adequate protection.