UN Accuses Israel of Violating International Law in Drone Attack Near Peacekeepers in Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of violating international law following an incident in which Israeli drones dropped grenades near UN peacekeepers. This is considered one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement last November.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning near the village of Marwahin, when UNIFIL personnel were engaged in a road-clearance mission. Despite being notified in advance about the operation, Israeli drones dropped grenades close to the peacekeeping force. One grenade impacted within 20 metres and three within approximately 100 metres of UN personnel and vehicles,
UNIFIL reported. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Violation of Resolution 1701
UNIFIL condemned the act, calling it a serious violation of Resolution 1701 and international law
. The UN resolution ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, underpinning the cease-fire agreement. UNIFIL underscored that any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets, and interference with their mandated tasks, are unacceptable.
UNIFIL’s Future and Recent Incidents
The incident comes amidst uncertainty surrounding the future of UNIFIL. The UN Security Council recently voted to extend the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon until the end of 2026 following pressure from Israel and the United States. The force, which currently consists of 10,800 peacekeepers, will begin an orderly and safe withdrawal
from Lebanon in December 2026.
In another recent incident involving Israel, two Lebanese soldiers were killed when an Israeli drone exploded after crashing in the south of the country. The Lebanese army is responsible for maintaining stability in the region with the support of UN peacekeepers, under a ceasefire agreement that ended hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Conclusion
The recent incidents involving Israeli drones and the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon highlight the volatile situation in the region. As the UNIFIL prepares for its withdrawal in 2026, the international community will be closely watching the developments in the region. The UN and other stakeholders will need to ensure that Resolution 1701 is upheld, in order to maintain peace and stability in Lebanon.