Blue Helmet Indonesian peacekeepers were killed, and another was seriously injured while they were inside their position in Ett-Taibe when a projectile exploded on Sunday. On Monday, two more Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon when an explosion of unknown origin hit a UNIFIL logistics convoy, destroying their vehicle near Bani Hayyan. A third Blue Helmet was seriously injured, and a fourth was also injured.
“The deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 and may constitute war crimes. The human cost of this conflict is far too high. Violence, as we have said, must stop,” UNIFIL stated on the social network X.
Unacceptable Incidents
“We strongly condemn these unacceptable incidents. Peacekeepers should never be targeted,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, in New York on Monday. He emphasized that UNIFIL was investigating the incidents to determine the circumstances of these tragic events.
“We remain deeply concerned about several incidents of aggressive behavior towards UNIFIL peacekeepers in recent days. All acts endangering peacekeepers must stop. All actors must respect their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. The inviolability of United Nations facilities must be respected,” Mr. Lacroix said.
He highlighted that UNIFIL peacekeepers “remain on the ground, carrying out the tasks mandated by the Security Council, in extremely dangerous conditions.” He noted that their action was “constrained” but that they “continue to do everything in their power.”
“The women and men of UNIFIL demonstrate exemplary courage and dedication to promoting international peace and security, far from home. We express our deepest gratitude to them,” Mr. Lacroix affirmed.
Possible War Crimes
On Sunday evening, UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the incident that occurred on the same day, noting that it was one of many incidents that had compromised the safety and security of peacekeepers.
“Once again, the Secretary-General calls on all actors to respect their obligations under international law and to ensure, at all times, the safety and security of UN personnel and property. Attacks on peacekeepers constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and may constitute war crimes. Those responsible will be held accountable,” said the UN chief’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, in a press statement.
He clarified on Monday that the slain peacekeeper on Sunday was named Fahrizal Rambe and his critically injured colleague was named Rico Pramudia.
UNIFIL is unaware of the origin of the projectile and has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances. “No one should ever lose their life in the service of peace,” said the mission on Sunday.
“The situation is extremely volatile, extremely dangerous,” emphasized UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel in an interview with ONU Info.
UNIFIL supports the implementation of resolution 1701, which ended hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah that erupted over two decades ago.
“UNIFIL peacekeepers are subjected to aggressive behavior, intimidation, and threats. This situation must stop immediately,” denounced Mr. Dujarric on Monday.
He also indicated that on Saturday, a UNIFIL convoy traveling on the coastal road near its headquarters in Naqoura came under six warning shots from elements of the Israeli army stationed nearby. One of the vehicles was hit by small arms fire.
On the return journey, a Merkava tank fired its main cannon, with the shell exploding just 15 meters from a vehicle belonging to the UNIFIL Rapid Reaction Force convoy. The vehicle sustained minor damage but was able to continue its journey.
Lebanon: Over 50 Health Workers Killed
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the loss of another healthcare worker in the context of the clashes in Lebanon.
“The expansion of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon has resulted in the death of a new healthcare worker today,” said WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Sunday in a post on the social network X.
The paramedic was killed in a strike targeting an ambulance in the city of Bint Jbeil, while a medical warehouse at the same location was destroyed in an attack.
“Before today’s strikes, WHO had confirmed that 51 Lebanese healthcare workers had been killed since March 2, including nine paramedics just yesterday,” Tedros clarified. “Attacks on health facilities must stop immediately. This should not become the norm.”
Iran: Heavy Water Reactor Taken Offline
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Sunday that the Khondab heavy water reactor (the new name for the Arak reactor) had suffered “severe damage” and was no longer operational.
This situation followed an attack on Friday against the site located in northwestern Iran, said the UN agency in a post on X. “The facility contains no declared nuclear material,” the IAEA added.
Yemen’s Involvement
Regarding Yemen, the UN is concerned about the recent decision by Houthi rebels to become involved in the Middle East conflict by launching military attacks against Israel.
“We urge the Houthis to refrain from any further involvement and instead prioritize diplomatic and mediation efforts, notably through the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg,” said Stéphane Dujarric on Monday.
Mr. Grundberg warned over the weekend that this escalation could drag Yemen into the regional conflict, further complicating efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen.
“We remain committed to promoting a just and lasting peace in Yemen. This requires all parties to prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people and avoid getting drawn into regional confrontation,” added Mr. Dujarric.
