The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated on the 30th that a peacekeeping vehicle was destroyed by an explosion of unknown origin near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of two peacekeepers and injuries to two others, one of whom is in serious condition.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said the fallen peacekeepers were from Indonesia.
This was the second incident involving casualties for UNIFIL in less than 24 hours. In the early hours of the same day, a shell landed on a UNIFIL position in a village in southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of one peacekeeper and serious injury of another.
Since the renewal of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel in early March, UNIFIL has been targeted multiple times.
On the 30th, UNIFIL reiterated the urgent need for all parties concerned to fulfill their obligations under international law and always ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property, including refraining from any actions that could put peacekeepers at risk. Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes.
Indonesia Calls for Respect of International Humanitarian Law
Following the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon, Indonesia has urged all parties in the Middle East conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
Rico, a spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, said in a statement: "The safety of peacekeeping personnel must be a top priority. We urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of peacekeepers."