On Friday, an Israeli drone dropped a grenade near a UNIFIL position in the village of Kafer Kela, lightly wounding one peacekeeper. Two drones had been spotted near the site shortly before noon.
"This is the second Israel Defense Forces grenade attack on peacekeepers this month," UNIFIL said, denouncing the strike as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 and a disregard for the safety of troops working to restore stability along the border.
Earlier this month, on October 2, drones also dropped grenades near peacekeepers and Lebanese soldiers clearing rubble in Maroun al-Ras. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, UNIFIL positions have faced repeated fire, with the force accusing Israel of targeting its sites and drawing international criticism.
Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has continued periodic strikes in southern Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah, and maintains border positions after missing a February 18 withdrawal deadline under resolution 1701.
UNIFIL has urged Israel to halt all attacks on or near UN personnel. As tensions simmer along the Blue Line, the force's call for protection of peacekeepers underscores the fragility of efforts to secure lasting peace in the region.
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UN condemns 2nd Israeli strike near peacekeepers in Lebanon this month
cgtn.com
