Geneva [Switzerland], January 3: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday said Israeli forces opened fire near its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon twice within 20 minutes, calling such incidents a "concerning trend."
UNIFIL said in a statement that peacekeepers on patrol near Kfar Shouba first reported 15 rounds of small arms fire striking about 50 meters away from them earlier in the day. Less than 20 minutes later, a second patrol in the same area reported approximately 100 rounds of machine-gun fire striking at a similar distance.
No injuries or damage were reported in either incident.
According to the statement, peacekeepers assessed that the fire originated from an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) position south of the Blue Line. UNIFIL immediately sent a "stop fire" request through its liaison channels.
UNIFIL said that it has informed the IDF about the patrol activities in advance, following the usual practice for sensitive areas near the Blue Line.
"Incidents like these are happening on a too-regular basis, and becoming a concerning trend," UNIFIL said, adding that attacks on or near peacekeepers are serious violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The IDF has yet to comment on the incident.
UNIFIL sites and facilities have previously been targeted during clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, causing injuries.
A U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, ending clashes linked to the Gaza conflict. Despite the agreement, Israel has periodically conducted strikes in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah "threats," and maintained forces at five key positions along the Lebanese border after the Feb. 18 deadline for full withdrawal passed.
Source: Xinhua
