Israeli drone assault targets UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, reports UNIFIL
UNIFIL Experiences Serious Attack in Southern Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) faced a significant setback on Wednesday, as an attack occurred near the village of Marwahin in southern Lebanon. Four hand grenades were dropped near UNIFIL peacekeepers, marking one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and property since the Nov. 27, 2024, ceasefire.
Despite Israeli attacks in the region, UNIFIL has maintained its positions in southern Lebanon. Established by the U.N. Security Council on March 19, 1978, UNIFIL's mission has been to monitor the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. Since 1978, UNIFIL has been conducting its peacekeeping mission with troops contributed by various UN member states, maintaining around 10,000 peacekeepers to monitor the border between Israel and Lebanon.
Following the attack, UNIFIL called for a timely Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The drones that dropped the grenades returned south of the Blue Line, which refers to the border between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFIL had informed Israel of the road-clearing operation in advance.
The statement issued by UNIFIL considered any action endangering UN personnel or interfering with their mandated tasks as "unacceptable" and a serious violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and international law. Resolution 1701, unanimously adopted on Aug. 11, 2006, called for an end to hostilities following the Israel-Hezbollah war. It requires Israel to withdraw behind the Blue Line and stipulates that the area between the line and Lebanon's Litani River remain free of unauthorized weapons, with only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL allowed to operate there.
The Litani River serves as the border where only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL are permitted to operate. The statement emphasizes that ensuring the safety of peacekeepers carrying out Security Council mandates is the responsibility of the Israeli army.
On Wednesday, UNIFIL suspended work due to security reasons. One grenade landed about 20 meters from the U.N. staff, while three others fell roughly 100 meters away. The peacekeeping mission, which has been crucial in maintaining stability in the region since its establishment, resumed its operations after the incident, reaffirming its commitment to upholding peace and security in southern Lebanon.
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