Amb. Roey Gilad
Israeli Envoy to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has formally apologised for the bombing that targeted a Ghanaian contingent serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), resulting in injuries to three Ghanaian soldiers.
In an interview on Joynews regarding the incident that occurred on March 6, Ambassador Gilad took “full responsibility” on behalf of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), characterising the event as a tragic error stemming from the complexities of contemporary urban warfare.
“We are very sorry for the incident that took place on the 6th of March,” the Ambassador stated. “On the 17th of March, we sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here… in which we took full responsibility for the fire that was done by a mistake, by an error.”
He rejected allegations that the strike was intentional, arguing that Israel has no motive to target international peacekeepers, especially from a friendly country like Ghana.
Ambassador Gilad provided a technical breakdown of the events leading to the strike, alleging that Hezbollah militants have systematically used UNIFIL positions, specifically the Ghana Regiment (GHANBATT), as cover for their operations.
According to the Israeli government, the area where the Ghana Regiment is located is the “most dangerous” in South Lebanon since Hezbollah frequently launches rockets there. In response to the March 6 error, Israel has formally petitioned the UNIFIL command in New York and South Lebanon to move the Ghanaian troops.
“Immediately a week after… we have approached UNIFIL command… that the Ghanaian regiment will temporarily reposition into other locations,” the Ambassador revealed. “Because out of all the battalions in South Lebanon, it appears to us that your people are positioned in the place from which the biggest amount of fire is being launched against us.”