UN peacekeeper killed, another seriously injured, in southern Lebanon

A blue helmet from Indonesia served in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFILE), Which said that he was killed when a projectile exploded at his position near Adchit Al Qusayr, located in the south of the country.

Another peacekeeper was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.

UNIFIL does not know the origin of the projectile and has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances.

“No one should lose his life for the cause of peace,” his mission said.

Ensure the safety of UN personnel

The Secretary-General strongly condemned the incident which occurred in the context of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

“This is one of a number of incidents that endanger the safety and security of peacekeepers, including those that occurred over the last 48 hours,” UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement. a statement.

“Once again, the Secretary-General calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times.”

Possible war crimes

The UN Secretary General reminded that attacks on peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) And may constitute a war crime.

UNIFIL supports implementation of the resolution, which ends hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah that erupted nearly two decades ago. Read more at our explanation.

“There must be accountability”the statement said.

Call for de-escalation

The Secretary General expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late peacekeeper, as well as to the Indonesian state. He wished a full and speedy recovery to the injured peacekeepers.

Mr Guterres also expressed his deepest appreciation to the men and women serving in UNIFIL, underlining the importance of safety, security and freedom of movement.

The UN urges the parties to immediately de-escalate and fully comply with their obligations under the agreement Security Council resolution.

More than 50 health workers were killed this month

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the loss of other medical professionals amid the escalation.

“The expansion of Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon has resulted in the death of one more health worker today,” WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday in a statement. posted on X.

The paramedic was killed in an attack on an ambulance in the town of Bint Jbeil, while a medical warehouse there was destroyed in an attack.

“Before today’s attack, WHO had verified that 51 Lebanese health workers have been killed since March 2, including nine paramedics yesterdayTedros said.

“Attacks on health facilities must stop immediately. This cannot become the norm.”