Newsletters
The United Nations has accused Israel of dropping three grenades near UN peacekeeping forces at two separate locations in southern Lebanon, marking the latest incident involving the international mission stationed along the volatile border.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Israeli forces used a drone to drop the grenades while UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel were working to provide security for Lebanese troops and civilians in the region.
"Three separate grenades were dropped at two different points - first 500 meters from the peacekeeping forces, then at distances of 30 and 20 meters respectively," Dujarric said during his daily press briefing.
No injuries were reported in the attacks, according to Dujarric, who emphasized that Israel had been previously notified of the peacekeepers' location and activities in the area.
Dujarric said Israel's actions violated UN Security Council resolutions and undermined efforts to establish stability in southern Lebanon. The incident highlights ongoing tensions despite international peacekeeping efforts in the region.
The UNIFIL force has been stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor the ceasefire and maintain peace along the Israeli-Lebanese border, operating under UN mandates designed to prevent escalation between the neighboring countries.
The grenade incident comes amid broader concerns about compliance with the ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel on November 27, 2024. The ceasefire monitoring committee includes UNIFIL alongside Lebanon, Israel, France and the United States.
According to official data, Israel has violated the agreement more than 4,500 times since its implementation. These attacks have resulted in at least 281 deaths and 624 injuries, raising questions about the sustainability of the peace arrangement.
Israeli ground forces entered several border towns during their military campaign against Lebanon and continue to occupy five positions despite ceasefire provisions requiring their withdrawal.
The conflict escalated dramatically in Sept. 2024 after Israel began attacks on Lebanon in Oct. 2023. More than 4,000 people were killed and approximately 17,000 wounded during the fighting before the ceasefire took effect.
1 min read
2 min read
