Beirut: A UN peacekeeper was killed and another critically injured when a projectile struck a UNIFIL position near Adchit Al Qusayr overnight, the mission said, as it launched an investigation into the incident and renewed urgent calls for the protection of peacekeeping personnel under international law.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed that the deadly explosion occurred at one of its positions in the area of Adchit Al Qusayr, resulting in the death of a peacekeeper who was carrying out his duties at the time of the incident. Another peacekeeper sustained serious injuries and was transferred to hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
UNIFIL expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen peacekeeper, honoring his service and sacrifice in the cause of peace. The mission also extended its thoughts and wishes for the full recovery of the injured peacekeeper.
The origin of the projectile remains unknown, according to UNIFIL, which has launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reiterating its call for restraint, the mission urged all parties to respect their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and facilities at all times. It stressed that any deliberate attack against peacekeepers constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to a war crime.
UNIFIL further warned that the continued escalation along the Blue Line has already claimed too many lives on both sides, emphasizing that there is no military solution to the conflict and calling for an immediate end to the violence.