Beirut: UNIFIL has condemned the recent gunfire incident involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeting UN peacekeepers patrolling the Blue Line in Lebanese territory. The peacekeepers, who were in vehicles, came under fire from an IDF Merkava tank near the area of Sarda.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the incident involved an initial ten-round burst of machine-gun fire directed above the peacekeeping convoy, followed by four additional ten-round bursts fired nearby. Despite the alarming situation, no injuries were reported. The IDF had been informed of the patrol's location and timing beforehand, in line with standard procedures for such operations in sensitive regions near the Blue Line.
UNIFIL has emphasized that these actions represent serious violations of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The organization has urged the IDF to halt any aggressive behavior and attacks that endanger the peacekeepers' efforts to maintain stability along the Blue Line. The peacekeepers had attempted to communicate with the IDF through UNIFIL's liaison channels, requesting a cessation of the gunfire. Both parties were confirmed to be within Lebanese territory during the incident.