United Nations Calls for Halting Activities That Endanger UN Peacekeepers
El Gisr – Exclusive – Lebanon
The United Nations reported that heavy machine-gun fire from Israeli Army positions south of the Blue Line fell on Friday morning near a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol inspecting a road barrier in the village of Bastra.
The UN spokesperson said in a statement that the shooting occurred following the detonation of a hand grenade nearby. While no UNIFIL property was damaged, the sound of the gunfire and explosion caused a minor injury to one peacekeeper, resulting in a mild ear concussion.
In a separate incident on the same day in the town of Kfarshouba, another UNIFIL patrol on a routine operational mission reported gunfire from the Israeli side near its position.
UNIFIL had previously informed the Israeli army of its activities in these areas, following standard procedures for patrols in sensitive zones near the Blue Line.
In recent days, there have also been incidents of local individuals obstructing UNIFIL movements in the mission area.
The UN spokesperson warned that any actions endangering the safety and security of UN peacekeepers are completely unacceptable.
He reiterated the call for all parties to cease activities that threaten the safety of peacekeepers and hinder their mandated operations in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, reminding all parties of their responsibility to ensure the protection and security of UN personnel.
