A United Nations peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed in southern Lebanon overnight, the first UNIFIL casualty in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
The incident occurred when a projectile struck a UN position near the village of Adchit al-Qusayr, leaving another peacekeeper critically injured. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the projectile’s origin and circumstances.
Indonesia confirmed the deceased was one of its citizens, with three others injured by indirect artillery fire. The foreign ministry condemned the incident and reiterated opposition to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called attacks on peacekeepers grave violations of international humanitarian law and urged accountability.
Read more: Israeli PM orders military to expand invasion of southern Lebanon
The deadly weekend also claimed the lives of at least 10 paramedics and three journalists in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s health ministry denied any misuse of ambulances or medical facilities for military purposes, while the presidency called the journalists civilians performing professional duties. Israel accused some victims of being Hezbollah operatives but has not publicly provided evidence.
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran, prompting Israeli ground and air offensives. Israeli forces have pushed into southern towns, targeting homes and aiming to control a buffer zone up to the Litani River. The violence has killed over 1,200 people, including more than 120 children and dozens of paramedics, according to Lebanese authorities.
Read more: Israeli strikes intensify across southern Lebanon
Israeli forces also suffered losses, with five soldiers killed and five injured in drone and missile attacks. Fresh airstrikes continue across southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, adding to mounting casualties and destruction in the region.