In a disturbing development that threatens the work of international peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL announced the death of one of its soldiers and the serious injury of another as a result of a security incident that occurred within its area of operations.
UNIFIL explained in an official statement that a peacekeeper soldier was killed and another was seriously injured last night, as a result of a shell exploding inside a force site near the town of Adshit al-Qusayr. The statement added that the injured soldier was transferred to the hospital to receive the necessary treatment.
The international force confirmed that it had not yet been able to determine the source of the missile, and indicated that it had begun an immediate investigation to uncover the details of the incident. UNIFIL stressed that “no human being should lose his life while serving the cause of peace,” and offered its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and his colleagues.
UNIFIL also appealed to all parties to respect international law and ensure the security and safety of their personnel and property, warning that targeting peacekeeping forces is considered a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to a war crime.
This attack occurs amid escalating military tensions in southern Lebanon, where clashes are increasing and the risks threatening civilians and international forces are exacerbated. In this context, UNIFIL stresses that there is no military solution to the conflict, and that ending the violence remains the only way to avoid further losses.
