A UN peacekeeper was wounded in southern Lebanon after being struck by gunfire, marking the fifth injury to a member of the multinational force in recent days, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In a statement released on Saturday, UNIFIL reported that the peacekeeper sustained injuries at its headquarters in Naquora on Friday night amid “ongoing military activity nearby,” but the source of the fire remains unclear.
The injured individual underwent surgery to remove the bullet and is currently in stable condition.
In related developments, approximately 20 individuals were reported killed by an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, Gaza, on Friday night, as reported by Reuters, citing medical sources.
The situation in southern Lebanon remains tense, with Israeli forces calling for UN peacekeepers to vacate their positions.
However, a spokesperson for UNIFIL confirmed on Saturday that there had been a “unanimous decision” among the peacekeepers to remain in the border area.
UNIFIL also reported significant damage to buildings in the village of Ramyah due to nearby shelling on Friday night.
The mission reminded all parties involved of their responsibility to ensure the safety of UN personnel and facilities, stressing the need to avoid military activities close to UNIFIL positions.
On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged responsibility for an incident that resulted in injuries to two Sri Lankan soldiers in Naquora, explaining that troops fired after perceiving a threat.
The IDF stated that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable. Additionally, two Indonesian peacekeepers were injured on Thursday after falling from an observation tower hit by Israeli tank fire.
In response to the escalating violence, US President Joe Biden expressed his strong urging for Israel to cease fire against UN peacekeepers.
Leaders from France, Italy, and Spain also condemned Israel’s actions, describing them as unjustifiable and demanding an immediate halt.
Earlier on Saturday, the IDF reported that multiple rockets were launched from Lebanon into Israel, with several intercepted.
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