The incident occurred on Saturday morning local time as a UNIFIL team was clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghanduriyah to re-establish links with isolated UN positions.

The patrol came under small-arms fire from non-state actors.

“Tragically, one peacekeeper succumbed to his injuries and three others were injured, two of them seriously,” UNIFIL said in a statement.

The wounded peacekeepers were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

UNIFIL expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen peacekeeper and wished a full and speedy recovery to those injured.

UNIFIL condemns ‘deliberate attack’

The mission condemned what it described as a “deliberate attack on peacekeepers engaged in their mandated tasks,” noting that explosive ordnance disposal work is critical in the area, particularly following recent hostilities.

UNIFIL said it has launched an investigation into the incident, with initial assessments indicating the fire came from non-state actors, “allegedly Hezbollah”.

The mission reiterated that all actors are obligated under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times.

“Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes,” the statement said.

UNIFIL also called on the Government of Lebanon to swiftly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.