"UN reports Israeli drones dropped grenades close to peacekeepers in Lebanon"

Israeli Drones Drop Grenades Near UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

Israeli drones released four explosives near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, according to the agency’s statement on Wednesday, calling it one of the most severe incidents targeting its personnel since last November’s ceasefire.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Unifil, reported that the attack occurred Tuesday morning while workers were clearing a road near a UN position close to the Israeli border. No injuries were reported.

Despite prior notification to Israeli forces regarding the location and timing of the roadwork, the incident occurred. Unifil described it as “one of the most serious attacks” on its staff and equipment since the truce that ended the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Peacekeepers were removing obstacles blocking access to a UN site southeast of Marwahin when an Israeli drone dropped one explosive 20 meters away, followed by three others 100 meters from UN personnel and vehicles. Following the incident, drones were observed heading back toward Israel.

Work was halted due to safety concerns after the attack, Unifil stated. The mission emphasized that targeting peacekeepers or obstructing their duties violates international law and that Israel is responsible for protecting UN forces in southern Lebanon.

The incident followed a recent UN Security Council decision to withdraw the peacekeeping mission by the end of next year, a move influenced by strong pressure from the U.S. and Israel.

Originally deployed in 1978 to monitor Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Unifil later expanded its role after the 2006 war to enforce compliance with UN Resolution 1701, which established a ceasefire. While prohibited from using force except in self-defense, Unifil reports violations to the Lebanese military.

During the 14-month conflict ending in November, Israeli forces struck Unifil over 20 times, while Hezbollah also targeted the mission on multiple occasions. Under international law, peacekeepers are considered civilians, and deliberate attacks against them are prohibited.

Israel has repeatedly accused Unifil of failing to act firmly against Hezbollah, an allegation the mission rejects. The U.S. has increasingly supported Israel’s stance, endorsing the mission’s termination as a means to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty over its military operations.

Unifil also faces resistance from Hezbollah, with patrols frequently hindered by local residents who view the mission as serving Israeli interests.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s government relies on Unifil as a buffer with Israel and as support for its under-resourced military. Authorities are preparing a strategy to address the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed factions within the country.