UNIFIL Accuses Israel of Launching a Serious Attack on Its Forces in Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) accused Israel on Wednesday of carrying out a “serious” attack on its troops operating in southern Lebanon.

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In an official statement, UNIFIL reported that Israeli drones dropped four grenades on Tuesday morning, landing dangerously close to peacekeepers who were working to clear obstacles hindering access to a United Nations site near the Blue Line.

“This attack represents one of the most serious assaults on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement reached last November,” the statement declared.

Israel has so far offered no response to these accusations nor any comment on UNIFIL’s communiqué.

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Deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978, UNIFIL was originally mandated to supervise Israel’s withdrawal following the conflict between the two countries. Its mandate was significantly expanded after the 2006 Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah, enabling the peacekeeping mission to deploy along the Israeli border. The force also supports the Lebanese army in asserting its authority in the south of the country — for the first time in decades.

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