UN peacekeepers patrol Deir Kifa in southern Lebanon. UN presents preliminary findings of investigation into the death of peacekeepers in Lebanon Peace and security
The spokesman for the UN chief, Stephane Dujarric, presented on Tuesday the preliminary results of an investigation into two incidents in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of three UN peacekeepers from Indonesia on March 29 and 30.
According to Dujarric, in relation to the first incident, which occurred on March 29, “based on the analysis of the impact site and ammunition fragments,” it was determined that a 120-mm shell was fired at the UN position from an IDF Merkava tank. He recalled that representatives of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had provided the Israeli side with the coordinates of all their positions in advance.
Referring to the second incident, which occurred on March 30, Dujarric said that the explosion, according to preliminary data, was caused by an improvised explosive device with a tripwire. “Given the location of the incident, the nature of the explosion and the current context, the improvised explosive device was most likely planted by Hezbollah,” he said.
Dujarric stressed that the findings are preliminary and based on initial physical evidence. The investigation into the circumstances of the death of the peacekeepers continues, and commissions of inquiry will be convened in both cases in accordance with UN procedures.
The spokesman expressed condolences to Indonesia and the families of the victims, calling the incident “unacceptable.” “We have demanded that the cases be investigated and referred to national authorities so that those responsible can be brought to justice,” the spokesman said. He recalled that attacks on UN peacekeepers “may qualify as war crimes.”