Peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. (archive) Death of UN peacekeeper in Lebanon: “those responsible must be brought to justice” Peace and Security
Secretary-General António Guterres called for those responsible for the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah, to be brought to justice. Another Indonesian peacekeeper was seriously injured.
According to UNIFIL, the peacekeeper was killed as a result of a shell explosion at the mission position. He wished the wounded peacekeeper a speedy and full recovery.
According to the Secretary-General, the incident was only the latest in a number of recent incidents that jeopardize the safety of peacekeepers.
Amid ongoing escalation in the region, the UN chief reiterated the need to respect international humanitarian law. He recalled that all parties have a responsibility to ensure the safety of UN personnel and property under all circumstances.
Attacks against peacekeepers are a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and may amount to war crimes, the Secretary-General emphasized. He added that those responsible must be brought to justice.
Guterres expressed his deep gratitude to all the men and women serving in UNIFIL, reiterating the importance of ensuring their protection and freedom of movement.
The United Nations calls on parties to immediately de-escalate and fully comply with their obligations under resolution 1701.