UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon Targeted by Israeli Fire: Analysis

The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon reported that one of its patrols was hit by Israeli gunfire in the southern part of the country. The incident occurred despite a truce between Israel and Hamas that had largely quieted the Lebanon-Israel border. The patrol vehicle was damaged, but no peacekeepers were injured. The attack took place during a period of relative calm along the border.

The exchange of fire between Lebanon and Israel has been escalating since the start of the Israel-Palestine conflict on October 7. While most of the fighting has been between Israel and Hezbollah, Palestinian groups have also been involved, raising concerns of a broader conflict. The intensity of the border fighting has gradually increased, with artillery attacks and the use of drones by Israel.

A four-day truce between Israel and Hamas began on Friday, and it was reported that Hezbollah would also adhere to the truce if Israel did. UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force, condemned the attack on its peacekeepers, stating that it is deeply troubling and that the force is dedicated to reducing tensions and restoring stability in southern Lebanon.

In the past month, a UN peacekeeper was lightly wounded by shelling near the border village of Hula, and UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqura was hit by a shell. The force is investigating these incidents. UNIFIL reminds the parties involved of their obligations to protect peacekeepers and avoid endangering those who are working to restore stability.

According to AFP, cross-border fire has resulted in the deaths of 109 people in Lebanon, including Hezbollah fighters, civilians, and journalists. On the Israeli side, six soldiers and three civilians have been killed. Lebanese people fear being dragged into another conflict, considering their experiences in the 2006 war that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Lebanon and 165 Israelis.

Since the truce went into effect, calm has mostly returned to Lebanon’s southern border. UNIFIL was established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after their invasion of Lebanon. It was strengthened after the Hezbollah-Israel conflict in 2006, and its 10,000 peacekeepers are responsible for monitoring the ceasefire between the two sides.

Source: Aljazeera news: UN peacekeepers in Lebanon say patrol hit by Israeli fire