UNIFIL reports one UN peacekeeper killed, two wounded in Lebanon mortar attack
A UN peacekeeper stationed in Lebanon died on Thursday from injuries sustained during mortar shell attacks near Marjayoun in southeastern Lebanon the previous night, according to UNIFIL. The mission did not specify the origin of the shells.
Two other peacekeepers were injured, and an investigation into the incident has been launched. This comes amid heightened exchanges between the Israeli military in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah fighters not affiliated with the Lebanese army.
UNIFIL emphasized that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, potentially amounting to war crimes. The attack occurred hours before a US-announced renewal of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel on Wednesday.
The deceased UNIFIL member was confirmed to be Serbian, having received emergency medical care at his base following the assault. He was then airlifted to a Beirut hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.