PARIS: The United Nations and France have strongly condemned Israel’s recent strike targeting UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, labeling it a significant violation of international law and the region’s ceasefire agreement. The attack, which occurred near the border town of Kfar Kila, is being regarded as an escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the attack, which occurred on Sunday, involved an Israeli drone dropping a grenade near a UNIFIL patrol, followed by tank fire aimed at the peacekeepers. Dujarric described the assault as “very, very dangerous,” underscoring the growing concerns over the safety of UN personnel in the region.
“We’ve repeatedly faced what we believe is deliberate targeting of our forces, including laser pointing and warning shots,” Dujarric said, emphasizing the increasing risks faced by UN peacekeepers. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which operates alongside the Lebanese army, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, established after the 2006 war. However, Israel’s repeated violations of the truce have sparked alarm across the international community.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also condemned the attack, noting that similar incidents had occurred earlier in the month, including on October 1, 2, and 11. UNIFIL confirmed that an Israeli drone had flown aggressively over its patrol on Sunday, prompting peacekeepers to take defensive measures to neutralize the threat.
In addition to these tensions, Israel’s military actions in the region continue to violate the ceasefire. Israel maintains several positions in southern Lebanon and has carried out near-daily strikes against Hezbollah and its allies. On Monday, two brothers were reported dead following an Israeli strike on the village of al-Bayyad in the Tyre district, a heavily affected area.
The Israeli military stated that the strikes were aimed at a Hezbollah arms dealer and another individual allegedly assisting the group in rebuilding its military capabilities. However, Lebanese officials have condemned these strikes, accusing Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, including construction machinery, thereby hampering efforts to rebuild war-torn areas.
Hezbollah, which has suffered significant losses due to Israel’s ongoing bombardment, remains on high alert. “The possibility of war exists, but it remains uncertain; it depends on their calculations,” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said, indicating that the group is prepared for further conflict if necessary.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Middle East envoy, Morgan Ortagus, arrived in Beirut late on Monday for talks with Lebanese officials. The U.S. continues to pressure Hezbollah to disarm and integrate its forces into Lebanon’s national army as part of efforts to stabilize the region.
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