BEIRUT — The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced in a statement on Thursday that five peacekeepers were injured in an Israeli drone attack in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon.
“This afternoon, a UNIFIL convoy carrying newly arrived peacekeepers in Lebanon was passing through Sidon when a drone attack occurred close to it,” UNIFIL said in a statement.
“Five peacekeepers sustained minor injuries and were immediately treated by the Lebanese Red Cross before continuing their journey to their positions in southern Lebanon,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese army confirmed that three of its soldiers were also injured in the same drone attack that took place near an army checkpoint in Sidon.
“We remind all parties of their obligation to avoid actions that endanger peacekeepers or civilians and that disputes must be resolved at the negotiating table, not through violence,” UNIFIL said.
UNIFIL sites and facilities have previously been attacked, causing injuries, against the backdrop of persistent battles between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL has accused the Israeli army of firing on its sites, which has exposed Israel to international criticism.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been conducting an intensive air attack on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.
Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.
XINHUA