UNIFIL peacekeeper injured by ‘Israeli’ drone bomb in southern Lebanon

• UNIFIL on Sunday reported one peacekeeper wounded after an ‘Israeli’ drone bomb exploded near its base in southern Lebanon Saturday. 
• UNIFIL condemned the attack as a “serious violation” of UN resolutions, urging ‘Israel’ to halt strikes near peacekeepers.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced Sunday that one of its members was wounded after an ‘Israeli’ drone dropped a bomb that exploded near its position in southern Lebanon, the third such incident in just over a month.

UNIFIL, which works with the Lebanese army to uphold a ceasefire reached in November aimed at ending more than a year of hostilities between ‘Israel’ and Hezbollah, said in a statement that “Just before noon yesterday, an Israeli drone dropped a grenade that exploded near a UNIFIL position in Kafer Kela. One peacekeeper was lightly injured and received medical assistance.”

Earlier this month, UNIFIL reported that ‘Israeli’ drones had dropped four bombs near its forces. 

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At the time however, ‘Israel’ denied any deliberate targeting of peacekeepers.

UNIFIL called Saturday’s strike “another serious violation of resolution 1701 and concerning disregard for the safety of peacekeepers implementing their mandate from the Security Council."

"We again call on the IDF to cease attacks on or near peacekeepers, who are working to rebuild the stability that both Israel and Lebanon have committed to restore," it added. 

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 ended the 2006 war between ‘Israel’ and Hezbollah and formed the basis for the November 27, 2024, ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. 

The deal required Hezbollah to withdraw from the border, dismantle its infrastructure, and restrict arms to Lebanese state forces, while ‘Israel’ was to pull back from areas it had invaded. 

However, ‘Israel’ has maintained troops on five strategic hilltops and continues to carry out strikes it claims target Hezbollah fighters and facilities.

Established in 1978, UNIFIL currently comprises about 10,000 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries. 

The UN Security Council voted in August to extend its mission until 2027.