A UN peacekeeper has sustained injuries in southern Lebanon due to gunfire, marking the fifth injury among the multinational force in recent days, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).
On Saturday, Unifil reported that the peacekeeper was injured at its headquarters in Naquora on Friday night amidst ongoing military activity nearby. The origin of the gunfire remains unverified.
The injured peacekeeper underwent surgery to remove the bullet and is now reported to be in stable condition.
In another incident, around 20 individuals were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, Gaza, as confirmed by local medics.
The ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon has intensified, with Israeli forces demanding UN peacekeepers withdraw from the area. However, a Unifil spokesperson stated that there was a “unanimous decision” among forces to maintain their positions along the border.
Unifil also reported significant damage to buildings in the village of Ramyah due to nearby explosions, urging all parties to prioritize the safety and security of UN personnel and premises.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged responsibility for an incident that injured two Sri Lankan soldiers in Naquora, confirming that soldiers opened fire after perceiving a threat. The incident is set to be investigated thoroughly.
Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry expressed strong condemnation of the attack. Earlier, two Indonesian peacekeepers were hurt after falling from an observation tower during an incident involving Israeli tank fire.
President Joe Biden, addressing the ongoing situation, emphasized the necessity for Israel to cease firing at UN peacekeepers. Leaders from France, Italy, and Spain have also denounced Israel’s actions, calling them unjustifiable and demanding an immediate cessation.
Meanwhile, the IDF reported an uptick in rocket launches from Lebanon into Israel, with several intercepted.
