Three UN Peacekeepers Killed in Lebanon Amid Intensifying Israeli Strikes

Three United Nations peacekeepers from Indonesia have lost their lives in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon. This tragic development follows a weekend marked by the deaths of Lebanese journalists and medics due to Israeli airstrikes.

Details of the Incidents

On Monday, two peacekeepers were killed when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon, according to a statement from the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL. Two additional soldiers sustained injuries from the blast.

Another Indonesian peacekeeper was killed overnight Sunday into Monday when a projectile exploded near the group’s position close to the village of Adchit al-Qusayr. At that time, another peacekeeper was critically injured. This incident marks the first fatality among UN peacekeepers since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2.

UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel confirmed that both incidents are being treated as separate events and are under investigation.

Indonesia’s Response

In response to the first incident, Indonesia’s foreign ministry confirmed that one of the deceased peacekeepers was an Indonesian citizen and noted that three others were injured due to “indirect artillery fire.” The ministry condemned the second attack in the strongest terms, stating that it reflects a rapidly deteriorating security environment in southern Lebanon, where ongoing Israeli military operations have placed UN peacekeepers at significant risk.

Foreign Minister Sugiono called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and urged for a “swift, thorough, and transparent investigation” into the “heinous attack,” following discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Israeli Military’s Position

The Israeli military acknowledged awareness of the two incidents and stated that they are under thorough review to determine whether they were caused by Hezbollah or were a result of military operations. Guterres emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN peacekeeping chief, condemned the incidents, asserting that peacekeepers must never be targeted.

Context of the Conflict

UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, an area that has seen significant clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. The current conflict escalated when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Tehran, following attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States. This prompted a renewed Israeli ground and air offensive.

According to Lebanese authorities, over 1,240 individuals have died in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, including more than 120 children and nearly 80 women. Additionally, more than 400 Hezbollah fighters have been reported killed since the conflict reignited.

Ongoing Military Actions

On Monday, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents of six villages in Lebanon’s western Bekaa region, marking the first such warnings for these areas. The military cited rebel activity as the reason for the warnings but did not provide further details.

Fresh airstrikes targeted several towns in southern Lebanon, with at least one strike occurring in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Israeli military stated that strikes in Beirut aimed at commanders responsible for coordinating between Hezbollah and Palestinian groups.

Over the weekend, at least 10 paramedics were killed due to Israeli strikes, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Additionally, three journalists were killed when an Israeli strike hit their vehicle on Saturday.

The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah operatives of posing as Lebanese paramedics and claimed that some journalists killed were part of the group’s intelligence or military wing, although no public evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims. Lebanon’s health ministry has denied any use of ambulances or health facilities for military purposes, and the presidency has stated that targeted journalists were “civilians performing a professional duty.”

Escalating Tensions

Israel has expressed intentions to establish a buffer zone extending to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers north of the Lebanese border. Ground troops have been advancing into Lebanese border towns and demolishing homes in the area.

On Monday, the Israeli military reported that a sixth soldier had been killed in the fighting in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese armed forces confirmed that a Lebanese soldier had died in an Israeli airstrike, bringing the total number of Lebanese soldiers killed by Israel to at least nine. Notably, the Lebanese army has not engaged in combat with Israeli forces.

As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.

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Published on 2026-03-31 10:57:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk