Ongoing Conflict Injures Another Peacekeeper
A UN peacekeeper was injured in southern Lebanon on Friday night, marking the fifth member of the multinational force to be wounded in recent days. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) reported that the peacekeeper was struck by gunfire at its headquarters in Naqoura amid ongoing military activity in the area. The origin of the gunfire remains unknown.
Unifil stated that the injured peacekeeper underwent surgery to remove the bullet and is currently in stable condition at their Naqoura hospital.
US Urges Israel to Halt Attacks on Peacekeepers
US President Joe Biden on Friday urged Israel to stop firing at UN peacekeepers, following two earlier incidents that left multiple peacekeepers injured. The plea came after Israeli troops launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon as part of their escalating conflict with Hezbollah. Cross-border fire has been exchanged almost daily between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Lebanese militant group for over a year.
Despite the conflict, UN peacekeepers have opted to remain in the border region. A Unifil spokesperson confirmed that the decision to stay was unanimous, even as Israeli forces have encouraged peacekeepers to vacate their positions.
Shelling Causes Damage and Injuries
In a separate statement, Unifil revealed that a base in the village of Ramyah sustained significant damage due to nearby shelling on Friday night. The same day, the IDF acknowledged responsibility for an earlier incident in which two Sri Lankan peacekeepers were injured in Naqoura. The IDF reported that its soldiers opened fire after identifying a perceived threat, though the incident is under investigation.
Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the attack, which follows an incident on Thursday where two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured after falling from an observation tower that was fired upon by Israeli tanks.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the safety of Unifil peacekeepers remains a critical concern amid ongoing military operations.
Also learn about US Calls on Israel to Cease Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon.
