Beirut, Lebanon – Three United Nations military observers and a Lebanese translator were injured in southern Lebanon when a shell exploded near them while patrolling the border. The incident occurred in the village of Rmeish along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The observers are part of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which supports the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL.
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stated that the injured were evacuated for medical treatment, and the mission is conducting an investigation into the origin of the explosion. The safety and security of UN personnel must be guaranteed, emphasizing the need for all actors involved to cease heavy exchanges of fire to prevent further harm.
The incident comes amid ongoing near-daily fire exchanges between the Israeli military and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, escalating tensions along the border since the conflict in Gaza began in October. Both sides have a responsibility under international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including peacekeepers, journalists, medical personnel, and civilians.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the targeting of the UN staff, calling it a violation of international law. The Israeli military denied targeting the area, refuting reports that they struck a UNIFIL vehicle in Rmeish.
The incident near the Blue Line, the border between Lebanon and Israel, marks another dangerous development in the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Since the conflict began, Lebanon’s foreign ministry has denounced the attack, emphasizing the need to uphold international law.
UNIFIL, established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, has faced challenges in maintaining peace along the border. The mission’s peacekeepers play a crucial role in monitoring the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, striving to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.