**Israeli Tanks Storm UN Base in Southern Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions**

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israeli tanks forcibly breached a United Nations peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon early on Sunday. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that two Israeli Merkava tanks broke through the main gate of a UN base before dawn, causing substantial damage. This incident is the latest in a string of accusations of violations and attacks by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against UN facilities.

The tanks left shortly after their incursion, but shells detonated nearby, ejecting smoke that drifted across the base and resulted in 15 UN personnel falling ill despite wearing gas masks, according to UNIFIL. The Israeli military has provided a different account, stating that Hezbollah militants fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli troops, wounding 25 soldiers and prompting the tanks to back into the UN post while under heavy fire.

Nadav Shoshani, the Israeli military’s international spokesperson, clarified that the tanks were not storming the base intentionally but were instead maneuvering to escape harm while aiding in an evacuation. The IDF also claimed that the smoke screen it employed was to ensure safe evacuation of the injured soldiers and posed no risk to UN peacekeepers.

The United Nations has expressed grave concerns over recent incidents. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Sunday that any assaults on peacekeepers could potentially be classified as war crimes. The UN also cited Resolution 1701, which governs the deployment of peacekeeping forces in the area, stating that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute a severe breach of international humanitarian law.

The situation is further complicated by calls from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the UN to withdraw its peacekeeping forces from Hezbollah-controlled areas. Netanyahu has argued that the presence of UN forces effectively provides Hezbollah with human shields, a charge vehemently denied by the group.

In a related development, the United States has announced the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional troops to Israel. This move, endorsed by President Joe Biden, is intended to bolster Israel's defenses following missile attacks from Iran. Major General Pat Ryder highlighted that this deployment underscores the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.

Concurrently, the international community, including Italy, France, and Spain, has condemned the reported Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers. The conflict, which has intensified since the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah last year, continues to see rising casualties, displacement, and destruction.

As the situation remains precariously poised, concerns are mounting about further escalations, particularly with Iran signaling a stern stance on defending itself against any Israeli aggression. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have emphasized their readiness to retaliate against any Israeli actions, further heightening tensions in an already volatile region.