Kfar Shouba:Several rounds of small arms fire struck the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) position near Kfar Shouba in southern Lebanon, impacting accommodation units and UN vehicles.
According to Anadolu Agency, the incident occurred in the morning along the Blue Line in Sector East, a temporary boundary established by the UN in 2000 to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon after a two-decade occupation. All peacekeepers stationed at the position took shelter shortly after the first round of firing, and no injuries were reported.
Most rounds hit the perimeter wall, with some impacting accommodation units and UN vehicles inside the base. UNIFIL condemned the attack, stating it was unacceptable that firings continued towards a clearly marked UNIFIL position, putting peacekeepers' lives at risk. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the incident, though the statement did not identify who fired the shots.
UNIFIL strongly reminded all actors of their obligations under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and properties at all times. The mission emphasized that any attack on UNIFIL peacekeepers constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, potentially amounting to a war crime.
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1701 in August 2006 following a 33-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. It calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and for an area between the Blue Line and the Litani River in southern Lebanon to be free of weapons and armed personnel, except for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL.
Despite a US-sponsored Framework Agreement signed on June 26 for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, Israel continues to carry out attacks in southern Lebanon and maintains a military presence in parts of the south. The Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 4,386 deaths and 12,407 injuries since March 2, according to Lebanese official figures.