Lebanon – The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed serious concerns over recent clashes at the border after an explosion injured three UN military observers and a Lebanese interpreter. The incident occurred during a patrol along the southern Lebanese border, where tensions have been escalating between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants.
The clash between the two sides escalated following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The injured personnel, part of the UN Truce Supervision Organization, were patrolling the Blue Line, a UN-demarcated border established in 2000 after Israeli troops withdrew from southern Lebanon.
According to reports, the wounded observers, including personnel from Norway, Australia, and Chile, were evacuated for medical treatment and are in stable condition. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, with conflicting reports about the origin of the explosion.
Despite the ongoing exchange of fire, the UN has called for the safety and security of its personnel to be guaranteed. UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, is currently investigating the incident but faces challenges in conducting a thorough investigation due to the volatile situation at the border.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the explosion and expressed grave concern over the daily exchanges of fire in the region. He emphasized the need for all parties to refrain from further violations of the 2006 cessation of hostilities and pursue a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The incident has drawn condemnation from Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who echoed calls for peace and stability in the region. UNIFIL, established to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after the 1978 invasion, has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the UN expanded its mission to help the Lebanese military extend its authority in southern Lebanon, where peacekeepers now patrol the Israeli border. Despite ongoing tensions, efforts are underway to prevent further escalation and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.