UK government 'appalled' by Israel's attacks on UN bases in Lebanon

Damian Grammaticas, Political correspondent

A Downing Street spokesperson says the government is "appalled" by reports that Israel has deliberately fired at an observation post belonging to the UN's peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon.

It follows a statement from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon which said an Israeli tank fired on Unifil facilities in southern Lebanon yesterday, hitting an observation tower and wounding two peacekeepers.

Speaking to journalists at the daily Downing Street briefing, the spokesperson says: "We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected.

"As you know we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to suffering and bloodshed. It is a reminder of the importance of us all renewing our diplomatic efforts to resolve this."

Asked if the prime minister would agree with Ireland's Taoiseach (Irish PM) that Israel had broken international law, the spokesperson says: "All parties must always do everything possible to protect civilians and comply with international law."