A United Nations peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed overnight in southern Lebanon, marking the first UNIFIL casualty in the current Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
The projectile struck a UN position near Adchit al-Qusayr, critically injuring another peacekeeper. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the source and circumstances of the explosion.
Indonesia confirmed the death of its citizen and reported three other peacekeepers were injured by indirect artillery fire near their UNIFIL positions. The foreign ministry condemned the attack, reiterating opposition to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the killing a serious violation of international humanitarian law and urged all parties to protect UN personnel.
The weekend violence also killed at least 10 paramedics and three journalists in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s health ministry denied any misuse of medical facilities, while the presidency stressed that the journalists were civilians performing their professional duties. Israel claimed some of the victims were Hezbollah operatives but has not provided public evidence.
The conflict intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to attacks on Iran, prompting Israeli ground and air offensives. Israeli troops have advanced into southern towns, aiming to establish a buffer zone up to the Litani River. Lebanese authorities report over 1,200 fatalities so far, including more than 120 children and dozens of paramedics.
Israeli forces have also suffered losses, with five soldiers killed and five more injured in drone and missile attacks. Fresh airstrikes continue in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, adding to rising casualties and destruction across the region.
