UN peacekeepers death toll rises to three in southern Lebanon

UN Peacekeepers Killed in Southern Lebanon Amid Escalating Violence

At least three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed this week as violence surges in southern Lebanon. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed that two peacekeepers were killed on Monday when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near the village of Bani Hayyan. A third peacekeeper was severely injured, while a fourth was wounded.

The incident occurred hours after another UN peacekeeper was killed on Sunday when a projectile exploded in a UNIFIL position near the village of Aadshit al-Qusayr. The exact origin of the projectile is unclear, and an investigation has been launched into the incident. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that one of the slain peacekeepers was an Indonesian citizen, and three other Indonesian peacekeepers were also wounded in the attack.

The deadly incidents come as Israel has expanded its ground invasion of Lebanon, pushing deeper into the south of the country. The Israeli military says its campaign aims to secure northern Israel against Hezbollah air attacks. Over 1,200 people have been killed in Israel’s continuing attacks across Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, while more than 1.2 million people have been forced out of their homes.

World leaders have condemned the escalating violence, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling on all parties to abide by international law and ensure the security of all UN personnel. France has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the attacks on UNIFIL positions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also called for a thorough investigation into the deadly incidents.

The situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile, with intensified confrontations and deadly violence reported in recent days. The Lebanese army has confirmed that a Lebanese soldier was killed in an Israeli attack on a military checkpoint in the south on Monday.

Source: Al Jazeera