Israeli troops demolish UN observation tower in south Lebanon

An Israeli army bulldozer has "deliberately" demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence at a UN peacekeeper position in southern Lebanon, UN officials say.

The United Nations Interim Forces in South Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement that "we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times."

It called on Israel to stop breaching UN positions, which is considered "a flagrant violation of international law."

"Despite the pressure being exerted on the mission and our troop-contributing countries, peacekeepers remain in all positions," the statement said.

Israel had recently announced that the Lebanese Hezbollah militia was attacking Israel from positions located in close proximity to posts of the UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said that an Israeli tank fired on one of its watchtowers in southern Lebanon.

This came after UN peacekeepers in Lebanon had come under fire several times days before, with at least four soldiers injured.

UNIFIL has monitored the border region between Israel and Lebanon since 1978. Over 10,000 troops from more than 50 countries have been deployed to the mission.