Indonesia: Indonesia on Monday "strongly" condemned the killing of an Indonesian peacekeeper of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in an explosion late Sunday, according to an official statement. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry called for a "thorough and transparent" investigation into the incident and stressed that the safety and security of UN peacekeepers must be "fully respected at all times" in accordance with international law.
According to Anadolu Agency, UNIFIL reported that a peacekeeper was "tragically" killed Sunday when a projectile exploded at a UNIFIL position near the southern Lebanese village of Adchit Al-Qusayr. Another peacekeeper was critically injured in the incident. In response, Jakarta reiterated its condemnation of Israel's attacks in southern Lebanon and called on all parties to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, cease attacks against civilian populations and infrastructure, and return to dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Separately, China also "strongly condemns" the killing of Indonesian peacekeeping personnel in Lebanon. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing that the attack was "unacceptable." She stated that any deliberate attack on UN peacekeeping personnel constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council resolutions. Mao urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers.
The escalation in the region follows Israel's airstrikes and ground offensive in southern Lebanon after a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. The area has been on high alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing widespread casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.