The incident occurred on Saturday morning local time as blue helmets were clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghanduriyah to re-establish links with isolated UN positions. The patrol came under small-arms fire from non-state actors.
“Tragically, one peacekeeper succumbed to his injuries and three others were injured, two of them seriously,” UNIFIL said in a statement.
Guterres issues strong condemnation The UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack and said in a statement issued late on Saturday that it was “presumed” Hezbollah militants were responsible.
“This is the third incident in recent weeks to have resulted in the deaths of peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL and occurred despite the announcement on 16 April of a 10-day cessation of hostilities. All actors are urged to respect the cessation of hostilities and the ceasefire,” the statement from his Spokesperson continued.
“Once again, the Secretary-General calls on all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and the inviolability of UN property and assets at all times.”
Mr. Guterres said attacks on peacekeepers must stop and may amount to war crimes.
Wounded evacuated The wounded peacekeepers were taken to medical facilities for treatment. UNIFIL expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen peacekeeper and wished a full and speedy recovery to those injured.
UNIFIL condemns ‘deliberate attack’ The mission condemned what it described as a “deliberate attack on peacekeepers engaged in their mandated tasks,” noting that explosive ordnance disposal work is critical in the area, particularly following recent hostilities.
UNIFIL said it has launched an investigation into the incident, with initial assessments indicating the fire came from non-state actors, “allegedly Hezbollah.”
The mission reiterated that all actors are obligated under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times.
“Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes,” the statement said.
UNIFIL also called on the Government of Lebanon to swiftly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
