UN staff injured in blast along Lebanon-Israel border

Three military observers, a translator injured in blast in southern Lebanon during ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah

United Nations peacekeepers reported that three military observers and a translator sustained injuries in a blast on Saturday in southern Lebanon, amidst ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and the Hezbollah movement.

The incident occurred along the Blue Line, the border demarcated by the UN in 2000 after Israeli troops withdrew from southern Lebanon. The peacekeeping mission is overseen by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with support from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).

“Three UNTSO military observers and one Lebanese language assistant on a foot patrol along the Blue Line were injured when an explosion occurred near their location,” said UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti.

The wounded individuals were promptly evacuated for medical treatment, and an investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway, Tenenti added. “Safety and security of UN personnel must be guaranteed,” Tenenti further emphasized, urging all parties to cease the ongoing exchanges of fire to prevent further casualties.

The recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah follows an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Hezbollah, which supports Hamas, has engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israel since then.

Norway’s defense ministry confirmed that a Norwegian UN observer sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized. “The circumstances surrounding the attack are unclear,” said ministry spokesperson Hanne Olafsen.

Among the wounded were observers from Australia and Chile, all of whom are reportedly in stable condition, as stated by Tenenti.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the area where the observers were injured was targeted by an “enemy (Israeli) drone.” However, the Israeli army denied any involvement in the incident.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon condemned the attack, labeling it a “dangerous incident” and a violation of international law. The country’s foreign ministry echoed similar sentiments.

“All actors have a responsibility under international humanitarian law to ensure protection to non-combatants, including peacekeepers, journalists, medical personnel, and civilians,” stressed Tenenti.

Since October, cross-border exchanges have resulted in casualties on both sides, with at least 347 deaths in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and 68 civilians, according to AFP. Tens of thousands have been displaced in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, where military and civilian casualties have been reported.

The recent increase in hostilities has raised concerns about the potential for a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, who last engaged in war in 2006.

Source: AFP