UN Force Slams Israel Over Repeated Fire Near Peacekeepers in South Lebanon

A disturbing trend is emerging in south Lebanon, where Israeli forces have fired near United Nations peacekeepers on multiple occasions. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported two incidents on Friday, where gunfire from an Israeli position struck just 50 meters away from its personnel, causing no casualties but sparking concern. The recent incidents bring to light the repeated instances of Israeli fire near or towards UNIFIL personnel in recent months. Last week, an Israeli attack lightly wounded a peacekeeper near a UNIFIL position. According to a UNIFIL statement, personnel patrolling the area reported 15 rounds of small arms fire and 100 rounds of machine-gun fire, both striking within 50 meters of their position. The peacekeepers assessed that the fire came from an Israel Defense Forces position south of the Blue Line, a de facto border. Despite informing the Israeli army about the peacekeepers' activities in advance, UNIFIL has expressed its concerns over the 'aggressive behaviour' and attacks on or near peacekeepers. The force has acted as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon for decades and has been working with Lebanon's army to support a year-old ceasefire between Israel and militant group Hezbollah. UNIFIL has stated that attacks on or near peacekeepers are serious violations of a 2006 UN Security Council resolution that formed the basis of the current ceasefire. The resolution calls for Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon, but it has kept its forces in five strategic areas and conducts regular strikes on Lebanon, citing targets as Hezbollah sites and operatives. The UN Security Council has voted to withdraw the peacekeepers from Lebanon in 2027, but the recent incidents highlight the ongoing tensions in the region. UNIFIL has reiterated its call to the IDF to cease aggressive behaviour and respect the peacekeepers' role in maintaining stability along the Blue Line.