Beirut: Yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped grenades near peacekeepers who were working alongside Lebanese soldiers to provide security for civilian workers in Maroun ar-Ras. The workers were clearing the ruins of homes destroyed due to the war.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, around 11:30 am, peacekeepers at two different sites heard a grenade explode near an excavator, approximately 500 metres away. Shortly after, the first group witnessed a drone flying overhead and observed an explosion about 30-40 metres away. Approximately 20 minutes later, the second group saw another drone drop a grenade that exploded just 20 metres over their heads.
UNIFIL had informed the IDF about the activity in advance and immediately demanded that the firing stop. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the work eventually continued.
Attacks on peacekeepers or interference with their mandated tasks demonstrate a disregard for the safety and security of UNIFIL peacekeepers and the Lebanese army, as well as the stability they are working to restore in south Lebanon. Such actions also represent a significant violation of Security Council resolution 1701. UNIFIL calls on the IDF to cease attacks on or near peacekeepers, civilians, and Lebanese soldiers and to allow them to carry out their mandated tasks without obstruction.