Bani hayyan: Two peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed on Monday in an explosion of unknown origin that destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan in south Lebanon, the mission said in a press statement.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, a third peacekeeper sustained severe injuries, while a fourth was also wounded in the incident, which marks the second fatal attack involving UNIFIL personnel within the past 24 hours.
UNIFIL extended its "sincerest condolences" to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen peacekeepers, describing them as having "given their lives in service of peace." The mission also expressed hopes for a "full and fast recovery" for the injured.
An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Reiterating its call for restraint, UNIFIL urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and assets at all times. It warned that deliberate attacks against peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes.
"The human cost of this conflict is far too high," the statement said. "The violence must end."