BEIRUT, LEBANON – The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, is currently investigating an explosion that injured four unarmed peacekeepers in the Rmeish area. The incident occurred during a foot patrol along the Blue Line, the boundary between Israel and Lebanon, as well as the disputed Golan Heights. The casualties, which include three military observers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and a Lebanese language assistant, have been transported for medical treatment based on a statement released by UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti.
According to reports from the Lebanese state-run National News Agency, the peacekeepers were allegedly targeted by an Israeli strike conducted by drones. However, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee refuted these claims in a Tweet, stating that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) did not target any UNIFIL vehicles in the Rmeish area. UNIFIL spokesperson Tenenti emphasized the importance of protecting non-combatants and called for a halt to heavy exchanges of fire to prevent further harm to individuals unnecessarily.
Tensions in southern Lebanon escalated following the Hamas attacks on Israel in early October, with incidents of shelling occurring deeper within Lebanese territory. UNIFIL expressed concern over the surge of violence along the Blue Line, resulting in civilian casualties, destroyed homes, and disrupted livelihoods. The peacekeeping force urged all parties involved in the conflict to initiate steps towards a sustainable political and diplomatic resolution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres released a statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing situation along the Blue Line, highlighting the daily skirmishes between non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces. The reported civilian deaths, destruction of residential and agricultural areas, and displacement of thousands of individuals on both sides of the boundary pose a threat to the stability and security of Lebanon, Israel, and the wider region. Guterres emphasized the need for a ceasefire and urged continued efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.