(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — A new confidential report published by a Spanish newspaper alleges that Israeli forces intentionally shelled a United Nations post in southern Lebanon, which left a Spanish UN peacekeeper killed on January 28.
The El Pais newspaper cited excerpts from a Spanish military report, which drew testimony from soldiers following the deadly incident, according to Agence France-Presse news agency.
36-year-old corporal Javier Soria Toleda was killed in the Israeli attack, which included intense shelling along Lebanon’s southern borders following a Hezbollah retaliation that left two Israeli soldiers killed.
Corporal Ivan Lopez Sanchez, a second Spanish soldier stationed near the post, told investigators that it was clear the UN was being targeted.
“Every time, (Israel) corrected the trajectory from Majidiye to the 4-28 (post),” he said, referring to where the United Nations Interim Force Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers were stationed.
Another Spanish soldier, Sergeant Julio Xavier Garcia, said the shells initially fell about 500 meters north of the UN post. But he adds Israel then “corrected the trajectory” towards the UN position.
A third unidentified Spanish soldier added that fragmentation bombs were used in the attack, which fell near the UN watch tower.
El Pais newspaper said Israel had warned the UN peacekeepers at 11:40 am not to venture out, without giving any details or explanation.
The report adds that between 11:48 am and 1:43 pm, nearly 120 artillery shells, 90 mortar grenades, and five projectiles were fired in the area.
Meanwhile, Spain and Israel have agreed to carry out a joint probe into the death of the 36-year-old corporal.
UNIFIL has more than 10,000 troops in south Lebanon, including 600 Spanish soldiers and others from 35 nations.
WATCH: A video surfaced online purportedly shows Israel’s shelling of UNIFIL’s Spanish base in southern Lebanon.