Beirut, Sep 3 (AP) – In a recent incident near the Israel-Lebanon border, Israeli drones dropped four grenades close to UN peacekeepers working to remove roadblocks in southern Lebanon, according to the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported following this attack.
UNIFIL characterized the Tuesday morning event as "one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets" since hostilities ceased in November, which marked the end of the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
There has been no immediate response from the Israeli military.
According to UNIFIL, the four grenades landed near their peacekeepers—one within 20 meters and the other three within approximately 100 meters of the personnel and vehicles. The drones were seen heading back towards Israel post-incident.
The peacekeeping force had reportedly informed the Israeli military in advance about their road clearance operations, which were taking place southeast of the village of Marwahin, less than a kilometer from the border.
"Concerned for the safety of our peacekeepers, the clearance work was halted after the incident," stated UNIFIL.
This attack comes shortly after the UN Security Council unanimously voted to end the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon by the end of next year, in response to pressures from the United States and Israel.
The multinational peacekeeping force has played a key role in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon for decades, especially during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Despite their critical role, the force faced criticisms from multiple sides, including officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration, who have sought to cut US funding for the mission.
The Israel-Hezbollah war led to significant loss and damage, with over 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon, including hundreds of civilians, and damage estimated at USD 11 billion, as reported by the World Bank. In contrast, Israel reported 127 casualties, including 80 soldiers.
UNIFIL emphasized that any actions compromising the safety of UN peacekeepers, or obstructing their tasks, constitute a serious breach of international law and the resolution that concluded the war. The organization highlighted it is incumbent upon the Israeli military to protect peacekeepers undertaking Security Council-mandated duties. (AP)
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