Serbian UN Peacekeeper Killed in Southern Lebanon Shelling

One Serbian UNIFIL soldier has died and two others were injured following shelling at a United Nations base near Marjayoun.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and Serbian authorities confirmed on Thursday that a Serbian peacekeeper has died following shelling at a UN base near Marjayoun. The soldier received emergency medical treatment on-site before being evacuated to a hospital in Beirut, where he was pronounced dead. Two other peacekeepers sustained injuries and are currently undergoing medical treatment at a UNIFIL facility.

According to UNIFIL officials, the military base was struck during an exchange of fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact origin of the shelling. The incident follows a resumption of military activity in the region after Hezbollah rejected a conditional ceasefire proposal discussed during bilateral negotiations in Washington.

In an official statement, UNIFIL stated that attacks targeting peacekeepers constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This casualty brings the total number of UNIFIL personnel killed during border hostilities since March to seven. The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session to address the security situation and the ongoing mandate of the peacekeeping mission.