BEIRUT – The United Nations said on Wednesday that Israeli drones dropped four grenades near UN peacekeepers operating in southern Lebanon, marking a serious escalation along the volatile border.
The incident occurred on Tuesday and was condemned by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which described it as “one of the most serious attacks” on the mission since the ceasefire that ended last year’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in November. UNIFIL confirmed that no peacekeepers were injured in the incident, but emphasized the gravity of the situation, as it endangered the lives of unarmed personnel performing their duties under international mandate.
In response, the Israeli military acknowledged the drone activity but stated there was “no intentional fire” directed at UN forces. Israel said it is investigating the incident and maintains that the attack was not deliberate. Tensions have been rising along the Israel-Lebanon border in recent weeks, with multiple cross-border incidents raising fears of renewed conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. UNIFIL has called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to respect the safety and freedom of movement of peacekeepers, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Leave a comment