Israel Bombing UN Observers

For everyone who might believe the circumstances that resulted in the death of four UN observers is black and white:

Below are quotes pulled DIRECTLY FROM the UN Press Releases, where UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) are actively reporting/observing the Israel / Hezbollah war:

from July 20, 2006:

There were 31 incidents of firing close to UN positions during the past 24 hours, with three positions suffered direct hits from the Israeli side. Ten artillery shells impacted inside UN position of the Ghanaian battalion on the coast in Ras Naqoura, causing extensive damage. Four artillery shells impacted inside the patrol base of the Observer Group Lebanon in the Marun al Ras area, including three direct impacts on the building which caused extensive damage and cut electricity and communication connections. At the time of the shelling, there were 36 civilians inside the position, most of whom were women and children from the village of Marun Al Ras. There were no casualties. One artillery shell impacted inside the UNIFIL Headquarters compound in Naqoura, causing extensive damage and danger to the UNIFIL hospital where the doctors were operating at the time. Splinters of artillery shells also damaged the boundary wall of the Naqoura camp. Extensive shelling damage was reported in the Ghanaian battalion position south of Alma Ash Shab. Hezbollah firing was also reported from the immediate vicinity of the UN positions in Naqoura and Maroun Al Ras areas at the time of the incidents. [emphasis mine]

from July 24, 2006:

One unarmed UN military observer, a member of the Observer Group Lebanon (OGL), was seriously wounded by small arms fire in the patrol base in the Marun Al Ras area yesterday afternoon. According to preliminary reports, the fire originated from the Hezbollah side during an exchange with the IDF. He was evacuated by the UN to the Israeli side, from where he was taken by an IDF ambulance helicopter to a hospital in Haifa. He was operated on, and his condition is now reported as stable. [emphasis mine]

from July 25, 2006:

This morning, Hezbollah opened small arms fire at a UNIFIL convoy consisting of two armored personnel carriers (APC) on the road between Kunin and Bint Jubayl. There was some damage to the APCs, but no casualties, and the convoy was obliged to return to Kunin. [emphasis mine]

from July 26, 2006:

It was also reported that Hezbollah fired from the vicinity of four UN positions at Alma ash Shab, Tibnin, Brashit, and At Tiri. All UNIFIL positions remain occupied and maintained by the troops. [emphasis mine]

from July 27, 2006:

It was also reported that Hezbollah fired from the vicinity of four UN positions at Marwahin, Alma Ash Shab, Brashit, and At Tiri. [emphasis mine]

from July 28, 2006:

It was also reported that Hezbollah fired from the vicinity of five UN positions at Alma Ash Shab, At Tiri, Bayt Yahoun, Brashit, and Tibnin. [emphasis mine]

Also reported by Canadian TV who received an email from Major Paeta Hess-von Kruedener, the Canadian peacekeeper who is now presumably dead:

What I can tell you is this: we have on a daily basis had numerous occasions where our position has come under direct or indirect fire from both artillery and aerial bombing. The closest artillery has landed within 2 meters of our position and the closest 1000 lb aerial bomb has landed 100 meters from our patrol base. This has not been deliberate targeting, but has rather been due to tactical necessity. [emphasis mine]

Perhaps what is most disturbing after reading the details of the UNIFIL Press Releases is that the contents contain very detailed descriptions of Israeli troop locations and movements.  This is publicly available information that is threatening the security of Israeli troops. 

Stated another way, the UN's observations are helping Hezbollah. I would not rule out the possibility of Israel deliberately targeting a UN Observation Post if it was aiding and abetting the enemy.

And here is the kicker.....a picture take (in 2003) of the UN Observation Outpost.  Notice the Hezbollah flag flying side-by-side the UN Flag:

Do you think situtations like these could make the avoidance of civilian casualties extremely difficult?