UN Peacekeeper Killed in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Israeli Presence

UNIFIL Investigates Fatal Shooting of Indonesian Peacekeeper Amid Ongoing Conflict in Lebanon

A peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed and three others were wounded in a shooting incident near Adchit al Qusayr, Lebanon, according to a statement released by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Monday. The UNIFIL position was hit by a projectile that exploded, resulting in the fatal injury.

The Indonesian government has confirmed that one of its peacekeepers was killed and three others were wounded due to “indirect artillery fire”. An investigation into the incident is underway at UNIFIL.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties involved to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property. The incident marks one of several attacks on UN positions in Lebanon since the start of the latest conflict on March 2.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, fired rockets at Israel following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. The Israeli military has been conducting an invasion of southern Lebanon, aiming to establish a security zone extending 30km from the Israeli border.

The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, with over 1.2 million people forced out of their homes since March. The UN has expressed concerns about a mounting humanitarian crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera