The fallen peacekeeper, from Indonesia, was serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) when a projectile struck the mission’s position near Adchit Al Qusayr on Sunday. Another peacekeeper was seriously injured in the blast and remains in hospital.
UNIFIL said the origin of the projectile remains unknown and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“No one should ever lose their life serving the cause of peace,” the mission said in a statement.
Condemning the killing, Guterres said the incident was part of a series of recent events that have endangered UN personnel during the intensifying Middle East conflict.
“This is one of a number of incidents that have jeopardised the safety and security of peacekeepers, including over the past 48 hours,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said. Guterres urged all parties to uphold international law and ensure the protection of UN staff and property at all times.
Guterres reminded Member States that attacks on peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 of 2006, which governs the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Such attacks, he warned, may amount to war crimes.
“There will need to be accountability,” the statement said.
Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and government of Indonesia, and wished the injured peacekeeper a full and swift recovery. He also paid tribute to all personnel serving with UNIFIL, stressing the importance of their safety and freedom of movement.
Health workers also targeted
Amid the same escalation, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported the killing of another health worker in southern Lebanon. WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a paramedic was killed when an ambulance was struck in Bint Jbeil, while a medical warehouse was also destroyed.
According to the WHO, at least 51 Lebanese health workers have been killed since March 2, including nine paramedics in a single day last week.
“Attacks on health facilities must cease immediately,” Tedros said. “This cannot become the norm.”
The UN has renewed its appeal for immediate de‑escalation and full compliance with international law.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
