India on Monday (March 30) condemned recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that left three Indonesians dead and injured three others in two incidents over the past 24 hours, amid Israel’s ground incursion and intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. “We condemn the recent attacks on UN Peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL, and pay our homage to the fallen Blue Helmets,” a statement issued by India’s permanent mission in New York said.


Three Indonesian UN Peacekeepers Killed Within 24 Hours in Lebanon; UNIFIL Probes Incidents

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron accused Israel of "indiscriminate strikes" in Lebanon, and Gaza, and targeting the UN peacekeepers, according to the readout of a Tuesday phone call between Macron and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron further urged Israel to put an end to this unjustified targeting, the readout published by Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French president has been pushing for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to get to a diplomatic settlement, calling it "the only one likely to meet Israel’s security requirements.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in the Israeli readout, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying that he would only agree to an arrangement in which all Hezbollah forces are pushed out of a buffer zone on Israel's border.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-mustnt-forget-his-country-created-by-un-decision-says-french-president-macron-767818"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Netanyahu must not forget his country was created by UN decision,’ says French president Macron</strong></a></p>

<p>Macron “also expressed his indignation after several peacekeepers were wounded by Israeli forces in Naqoura and urged Israel to put an end to this unjustifiable targeting.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israel has been calling on the UNIFIL forces to leave combat areas for their own protection.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Netanyahu Tells Macron He Opposes 'Unilateral Ceasefire' In Lebanon</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-tells-macron-he-opposes-unilateral-ceasefire-in-lebanon-767960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Macron on Tuesday said that Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tensions have increased between Netanyahu and Macron with the French leader last week insisting that stopping the export of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon was the only way to stop the conflicts.</p>

<p>Moreover, France has repeatedly denounced Israeli fire against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, who include a French contingent.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


French President Emmanuel Macron accused Israel of "indiscriminate strikes" in Lebanon, and Gaza, and targeting the UN peacekeepers, according to the readout of a Tuesday phone call between Macron and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Israel of "indiscriminate strikes" in Lebanon, and Gaza, and targeting the UN peacekeepers, according to the readout of a Tuesday phone call between Macron and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron further urged Israel to put an end to this unjustified targeting, the readout published by Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, stated. The French president has been pushing for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to get to a diplomatic settlement, calling it "the only one likely to meet Israel’s security requirements.” Meanwhile, in the Israeli readout, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying that he would only agree to an arrangement in which all Hezbollah forces are pushed out of a buffer zone on Israel's border. Also read: ‘Netanyahu must not forget his country was created by UN decision,’ says French president Macron Macron “also expressed his indignation after several peacekeepers were wounded by Israeli forces in Naqoura and urged Israel to put an end to this unjustifiable targeting.” Meanwhile, Israel has been calling on the UNIFIL forces to leave combat areas for their own protection. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Netanyahu Tells Macron He Opposes 'Unilateral Ceasefire' In Lebanon × Macron on Tuesday said that Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations. Tensions have increased between Netanyahu and Macron with the French leader last week insisting that stopping the export of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon was the only way to stop the conflicts. Moreover, France has repeatedly denounced Israeli fire against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, who include a French contingent. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

French President Macron accuses Israel of ‘unjustifiably targeting’ UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, Gaza attacks

<p><strong>Israel targets UNIFIL:</strong> During its ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah militants this month, Israel Defence Forces fired at the bases and peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL. The UN secretary-general warned that the attacks that injured at least five of the 'Blue Helmets' could amount to a war crime.</p>

<p>UNIFIL personnel and its premises "must never be targeted," said a spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adding that such attacks breach international law and may constitute a war crime.</p>

<p>The entrance door of a UN position "was deliberately breached by IDF armoured vehicles," the spokesperson said on Sunday (Oct 13) in a statement, describing it as a "deeply worrying incident."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: France, Italy And Spain Condemn Targeting Of UNIFIL By IDF</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-italy-and-spain-condemn-targeting-of-unifil-by-idf-766926/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL?</strong></h2>

<p>UNIFIL, though it has 'interim' in its name, is one of the oldest and most longstanding peacekeeping deployments of the UN in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deployed for more than 46 years, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was established on 19 March 1978 through UN Security Council resolutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The immediate reason was the aftermath of the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, which happened in the larger context of the Lebanese civil war. This so-called First Israeli invasion of Lebanon was in response to a massacre near Tel Aviv by Palestinian militants based out of Lebanon.</p>

<p>UNIFIL's mandate was expanded over the years to include the demilitarisation of Hezbollah and supporting the Lebanese Army in its fight against insurgents and arms smuggling. Besides confirming Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restoration of the Lebanese government's authority in the region,&nbsp;UNIFIL is also mandated to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilian populations, as well as the safe return of displaced persons.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-intercepts-about-five-projectiles-from-lebanon-top-updates-767006">Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel intercepts about five projectiles from Lebanon- Top updates</a></strong><br />
<br />
The UNIFIL's mandate is renewed every year by the UNSC, with the last extension having taken place this August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNIFIL is funded annually by the General Assembly, with its approved budget as of 2022 crossing $510 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNIFIL currently has 10,541 personnel from 46 nations, which includes 9,532 soldiers, 207 staff officers, 553 local civilians and 249 international civilians.</p>

<p>Indonesia and India are the top countries contributing troops and police to the mission, having sent 1,234 and 895 personnel respectively as of April 2024.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-warns-to-attack-ambulances-in-southern-lebanon-claims-hezbollah-misusing-them-766935">Also read: Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them</a></p>

<p>The UN peacekeepers are also mandated to protect and ensure freedom of movement of UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment in the area.</p>

<p>UNIFIL personnel can resist attempts to prevent it from discharging its duties.</p>

<p>According to the UN Peacekeepers, UNIFIL lost 334 of its personnel since its inception in various clashes and incidents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel targets UNIFIL: During its ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah militants this month, Israel Defence Forces fired at the bases and peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL.

Israel targets UNIFIL: During its ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah militants this month, Israel Defence Forces fired at the bases and peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL. The UN secretary-general warned that the attacks that injured at least five of the 'Blue Helmets' could amount to a war crime. UNIFIL personnel and its premises "must never be targeted," said a spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adding that such attacks breach international law and may constitute a war crime. The entrance door of a UN position "was deliberately breached by IDF armoured vehicles," the spokesperson said on Sunday (Oct 13) in a statement, describing it as a "deeply worrying incident." Watch: France, Italy And Spain Condemn Targeting Of UNIFIL By IDF × What is United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL? UNIFIL, though it has 'interim' in its name, is one of the oldest and most longstanding peacekeeping deployments of the UN in the world. Deployed for more than 46 years, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was established on 19 March 1978 through UN Security Council resolutions. The immediate reason was the aftermath of the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, which happened in the larger context of the Lebanese civil war. This so-called First Israeli invasion of Lebanon was in response to a massacre near Tel Aviv by Palestinian militants based out of Lebanon. UNIFIL's mandate was expanded over the years to include the demilitarisation of Hezbollah and supporting the Lebanese Army in its fight against insurgents and arms smuggling. Besides confirming Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restoration of the Lebanese government's authority in the region, UNIFIL is also mandated to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilian populations, as well as the safe return of displaced persons. Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel intercepts about five projectiles from Lebanon- Top updates The UNIFIL's mandate is renewed every year by the UNSC, with the last extension having taken place this August. UNIFIL is funded annually by the General Assembly, with its approved budget as of 2022 crossing $510 million. UNIFIL currently has 10,541 personnel from 46 nations, which includes 9,532 soldiers, 207 staff officers, 553 local civilians and 249 international civilians. Indonesia and India are the top countries contributing troops and police to the mission, having sent 1,234 and 895 personnel respectively as of April 2024. Also read: Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them The UN peacekeepers are also mandated to protect and ensure freedom of movement of UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment in the area. UNIFIL personnel can resist attempts to prevent it from discharging its duties. According to the UN Peacekeepers, UNIFIL lost 334 of its personnel since its inception in various clashes and incidents. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon?

<p>The United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, on Friday (Oct 11)&nbsp;said that a bulldozer of the Israel&nbsp;Defense Forces (IDF) knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, and the IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today, several T-walls at our UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an IDF [bulldozer] hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position,” United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, "Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.”</p>

<h2><strong>US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces</strong></h2>

<p>United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday urged Israel to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinate efforts to shift from military operations to a diplomatic pathway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I urged ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinating efforts to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible. I made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies against attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies. Minister Gallant and I reiterated our commitment to preventing any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region. We also discussed urgent steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the incident is not related to the one that happened yesterday, in which the UN peacekeeping forces said two peacekeepers were injured “after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-slams-israel-for-shooting-at-un-lebanon-peacekeepers-intolerable-766423"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Italy slams Israel over ‘shooting’ at UN Lebanon peacekeepers, terms it ‘intolerable’</strong></a></p>

<p>The IDF said that an investigation into the incident is underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These incidents have put the peacekeeping forces “at very serious risk,” the UN body stressed. It further warned that “any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701.”</p>

<h2><strong>UN peacekeeping force's headquarters affected by Israeli explosions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said that its headquarters in the town of Naqoura has been affected by explosions for the second time in 48 hours.</p>

<p>The explosions took place close to an observation tower and injured two soldiers, UNIFIL said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Thursday, two Indonesian soldiers were wounded falling from an observation tower after an Israeli tank fired towards it.</p>

<h2><strong>UK condemns Israeli forces firing on UNIFIL base&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The British government condemned the alleged firing by Israeli forces on a United Nations peacekeeper base in Lebanon, and urged all parties in the conflict to "comply with international law".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran-Israel War: US Allies In West Asia Warned By Tehran, 'Close Airspace For Israeli Attack'</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-allies-in-west-asia-warned-by-tehran-close-airspace-for-israeli-attack-766634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokeswoman said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli strike kills two Lebanese soldiers</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Two Lebanese soldiers were killed and three others have been injured in an Israeli strike on an army post in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese army said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Israel has not commented on this yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned their deaths, saying, “This persistent Israeli crime against Lebanon did not spare today the brave soldiers who are carrying out their national duty in protecting the land and defending the people.”</p>

<h2><strong>At least 22 killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut</strong></h2>

<p>As tensions intensify in West Asia, at least 22 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on central Beirut on Thursday&nbsp;evening, Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday, adding that 117 were injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli strikes hit residential buildings in Bachoura's two densely packed neighbourhoods, Nweiri and Basta.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, on Friday (Oct 11) said that a bulldozer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, and the IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position.

The United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, on Friday (Oct 11) said that a bulldozer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, and the IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position. “Today, several T-walls at our UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an IDF [bulldozer] hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position,” United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement. It added, "Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.” US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday urged Israel to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinate efforts to shift from military operations to a diplomatic pathway. “I urged ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinating efforts to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible. I made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies against attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies. Minister Gallant and I reiterated our commitment to preventing any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region. We also discussed urgent steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” he said. However, the incident is not related to the one that happened yesterday, in which the UN peacekeeping forces said two peacekeepers were injured “after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower.” Also read: Italy slams Israel over ‘shooting’ at UN Lebanon peacekeepers, terms it ‘intolerable’ The IDF said that an investigation into the incident is underway. These incidents have put the peacekeeping forces “at very serious risk,” the UN body stressed. It further warned that “any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701.” UN peacekeeping force's headquarters affected by Israeli explosions The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said that its headquarters in the town of Naqoura has been affected by explosions for the second time in 48 hours. The explosions took place close to an observation tower and injured two soldiers, UNIFIL said in a statement. Earlier on Thursday, two Indonesian soldiers were wounded falling from an observation tower after an Israeli tank fired towards it. UK condemns Israeli forces firing on UNIFIL base The British government condemned the alleged firing by Israeli forces on a United Nations peacekeeper base in Lebanon, and urged all parties in the conflict to "comply with international law". Watch | Iran-Israel War: US Allies In West Asia Warned By Tehran, 'Close Airspace For Israeli Attack' × “We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokeswoman said. Israeli strike kills two Lebanese soldiers Two Lebanese soldiers were killed and three others have been injured in an Israeli strike on an army post in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese army said. However, Israel has not commented on this yet. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned their deaths, saying, “This persistent Israeli crime against Lebanon did not spare today the brave soldiers who are carrying out their national duty in protecting the land and defending the people.” At least 22 killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut As tensions intensify in West Asia, at least 22 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on central Beirut on Thursday evening, Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday, adding that 117 were injured. The Israeli strikes hit residential buildings in Bachoura's two densely packed neighbourhoods, Nweiri and Basta. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces as UN accuses IDF of firing on its peacekeepers in Lebanon

<p>Lebanon's&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;on Friday denied that five men&nbsp;accused&nbsp;by a military tribunal of&nbsp;killing&nbsp;an Irish UN&nbsp;peacekeeper&nbsp;in 2022 were&nbsp;linked&nbsp;to the armed Shi'ite group.</p>

<p>A court document filed on Thursday had identified some of the five as members of&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and allied movement Amal, according to a senior Lebanese judicial source.</p>

<p>Hezbollah&nbsp;media official Mohammad Afif said the five&nbsp;accused&nbsp;were&nbsp;not&nbsp;members of the group, which controls the part of southern Lebanon where last year's attack took place, and also denied that the indictment had described them as&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;members.</p>

<p>Private Sean Rooney, 23, was killed on Dec&nbsp;15 in the first fatal attack on UN&nbsp;peacekeepers in Lebanon since 2015.</p>

<p>Afif said&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;had played a big role after the&nbsp;killing&nbsp;in reducing tensions and in local people's cooperation with the army and judicial investigation.</p>

<p>His comments are the first by a&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;official since Thursday's reported indictment. The Amal Movement, which is headed by&nbsp;Lebanon's&nbsp;parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, has so far declined to comment.</p>

<p>The judicial source had said evidence was drawn from camera recordings in which the&nbsp;accused&nbsp;refer to themselves as members of&nbsp;Hezbollah. A second judicial source confirmed that camera evidence was mentioned in the 30-page court document.</p>

<p>Hezbollah&nbsp;has previously denied involvement in the&nbsp;killing, calling it an "unintentional incident" that took place solely between the town's residents and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force.</p>


Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday denied that five men accused by a military tribunal of killing an Irish UN peacekeeper in 2022 were linked to the armed Shi'ite group.

Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday denied that five men accused by a military tribunal of killing an Irish UN peacekeeper in 2022 were linked to the armed Shi'ite group. A court document filed on Thursday had identified some of the five as members of Hezbollah and allied movement Amal, according to a senior Lebanese judicial source. Hezbollah media official Mohammad Afif said the five accused were not members of the group, which controls the part of southern Lebanon where last year's attack took place, and also denied that the indictment had described them as Hezbollah members. Private Sean Rooney, 23, was killed on Dec 15 in the first fatal attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon since 2015. Afif said Hezbollah had played a big role after the killing in reducing tensions and in local people's cooperation with the army and judicial investigation. His comments are the first by a Hezbollah official since Thursday's reported indictment. The Amal Movement, which is headed by Lebanon's parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, has so far declined to comment. The judicial source had said evidence was drawn from camera recordings in which the accused refer to themselves as members of Hezbollah. A second judicial source confirmed that camera evidence was mentioned in the 30-page court document. Hezbollah has previously denied involvement in the killing, calling it an "unintentional incident" that took place solely between the town's residents and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force.

Lebanon's Hezbollah says not linked to accused in peacekeeper killing

<p>Unknown assailants opened fire on a convoy in southern Lebanon, killing one Irish UN&nbsp;peacekeeper and injuring three others, according to Irish and Lebanese military sources on Thursday. Eight Irish United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping officials&nbsp;were in two armoured vehicles when they were shot upon while they were travelling from the village of Al-Aqbiya north toward Beirut on Tuesday night, according to a statement from the Irish Defence Forces.</p>

<p>One of the three injured troops, according to the Irish military, is in critical condition. The perpetrators were not named in the statement. One peacekeeper's death and three injuries were verified by UNIFIL, but no other information was provided.</p>

<p>“Our thoughts are also with the local civilians who may have been injured or frightened during the incident,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said, adding that “details are sparse and conflicting.” Tenenti added that UNIFIL is coordinating with the military and trying to “determine exactly what happened.”</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran ousted from UN women's group; Russia and China oppose move</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-ousted-from-un-womens-group-russia-and-china-oppose-move-543137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The armoured truck carrying the peacekeepers had turned over while attempting to flee the site when it was fired upon, according to a person involved with the inquiry who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to talk publicly about the case.</p>

<p>The act was condemned by Lebanon's Foreign Ministry, and a statement from the office of interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati asked for an inquiry.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-un-jaishankar-lays-out-indias-norms-for-multilateral-reforms-543141">At UN, Jaishankar reprimands Pak, China on terrorism, lays out India's 'NORMS' for reforms</a></p>

<p>Residents of southern Lebanon often fight with UNIFIL soldiers. Irish peacekeepers were attacked in January in the southern village of Bint Jbeil by unidentified perpetrators, who also vandalised their cars and stole their belongings. The UN&nbsp;refuted the allegations made by the locals that they had taken photos of private properties.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Unknown assailants opened fire on a convoy in southern Lebanon, killing one Irish UN peacekeeper and injuring three others, according to Irish and Lebanese military sources on Thursday.

Unknown assailants opened fire on a convoy in southern Lebanon, killing one Irish UN peacekeeper and injuring three others, according to Irish and Lebanese military sources on Thursday. Eight Irish United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping officials were in two armoured vehicles when they were shot upon while they were travelling from the village of Al-Aqbiya north toward Beirut on Tuesday night, according to a statement from the Irish Defence Forces. One of the three injured troops, according to the Irish military, is in critical condition. The perpetrators were not named in the statement. One peacekeeper's death and three injuries were verified by UNIFIL, but no other information was provided. “Our thoughts are also with the local civilians who may have been injured or frightened during the incident,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said, adding that “details are sparse and conflicting.” Tenenti added that UNIFIL is coordinating with the military and trying to “determine exactly what happened.” Also watch | Iran ousted from UN women's group; Russia and China oppose move The armoured truck carrying the peacekeepers had turned over while attempting to flee the site when it was fired upon, according to a person involved with the inquiry who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to talk publicly about the case. The act was condemned by Lebanon's Foreign Ministry, and a statement from the office of interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati asked for an inquiry. Also read | At UN, Jaishankar reprimands Pak, China on terrorism, lays out India's 'NORMS' for reforms Residents of southern Lebanon often fight with UNIFIL soldiers. Irish peacekeepers were attacked in January in the southern village of Bint Jbeil by unidentified perpetrators, who also vandalised their cars and stole their belongings. The UN refuted the allegations made by the locals that they had taken photos of private properties. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Irish UN peacekeeper killed in southern Lebanon convoy ambush, three others injured

The Indian embassy in Beirut and UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at a cemetery to honour the sacrifices of all the Indian soldiers who died during the two World Wars. Ghadi Francis brings you this report from Beirut.

The West Asia Post: Indian embassy and UNIFIL pay tribute to India's World War soldiers

unifil

Unifil, News on Unifil, stories on Unifil, articles on Unifil, Unifil stories at Wion, Unifil news, Unifil latest news