Explosion Injures UN Peacekeepers in South Lebanon
BEIRUT — The UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon (UNIFIL) is currently investigating an explosion in the Rmeish area that resulted in injuries to four unarmed peacekeepers on a foot patrol along the Blue Line, which separates Israel from Lebanon and the disputed Golan Heights.
In a statement released on Saturday, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti revealed that the casualties included three military observers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and a Lebanese language assistant, all of whom have been evacuated for medical treatment.
The Lebanese state-run National News Agency claimed that the UN peacekeepers were targeted in an Israeli strike conducted by drones.
However, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee denied these allegations in a Tweet, stating that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not target any UNIFIL vehicles in the Rmeish area.
Tenenti emphasized that the UNTSO observers, part of Observer Group Lebanon (OGL), play a crucial role in supporting UNIFIL’s mandate to monitor hostilities cessation, ensure humanitarian access, and assist the Lebanese government in border security.
The spokesperson stressed the importance of protecting non-combatants under international law and called for a halt to heavy exchanges of fire to prevent further harm.
In a media interview, Tenenti highlighted the escalating tension in southern Lebanon following Hamas attacks on Israel, warning that continued shelling could lead to a wider conflict.
Just days before the explosion, UNIFIL expressed concerns over increased violence along the Blue Line, resulting in civilian casualties and property damage.
The force urged all parties to seek a ceasefire and pursue a sustainable political solution to the conflict.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres later expressed grave concern over the situation along the Blue Line, citing daily clashes between non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces since Oct. 8, 2023.
Guterres condemned the civilian casualties, destruction, and displacement on both sides of the Blue Line, emphasizing the threat to security and stability in Lebanon, Israel, and the region. — UN News
