IDF Investigation: Hezbollah Responsible for Killing UNIFIL Peacekeeper
An IDF investigation confirms Hezbollah terrorists opened fire on UNIFIL peacekeepers clearing explosives in Southern Lebanon. With one peacekeeper dead and three wounded, the IDF warns that Hezbollah is "exploiting" the truce to target international organizations.
The IDF officially confirmed on Sunday that Hezbollah was responsible for the deadly attack on a UNIFIL force in Southern Lebanon yesterday. The severe incident, which constitutes a blatant violation of the standing ceasefire agreement, resulted in multiple casualties among the international peacekeeping mission.
Intelligence Confirms Direct Fire
According to a statement from the IDF Spokesperson, an in-depth operational and intelligence investigation has verified that a terror cell affiliated with Hezbollah opened fire on the UN force.
The incident took place on Saturday in the Ghandouriyeh region of Southern Lebanon. At the time of the attack, UNIFIL personnel were engaged in routine operational activity, scanning for and clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the field.
As a result of the direct fire, a UNIFIL member was killed at the scene. Three additional inspectors were wounded, two of them seriously. The injured were evacuated for emergency medical treatment.
"Exploiting the Ceasefire"
The IDF viewed the incident with extreme gravity, pointing to Hezbollah’s continued defiance of international agreements.
"Hezbollah continues to exploit the ceasefire to advance terrorist activities," the military stated. The IDF further emphasized that the organization continues to operate while "risking and harming civilians and international organizations in Lebanon."