Ghanduriyah: "This morning, a UNIFIL patrol clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghanduriyah to re-establish links with isolated UNIFIL positions came under small-arms fire from non-state actors," UNIFIL said in a post today on platform "X". One peacekeeper was killed after succumbing to his wounds, while three others were injured, two of them critically, the UNIFIL post added, indicating that the wounded were transferred to medical facilities for treatment.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the UNIFIL Command offered "deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the brave peacekeeper who lost his life in the line of duty," and expressed hope for "a speedy and full recovery to those injured." The statement condemned the deliberate attack on peacekeepers who were carrying out their mandated duties, emphasizing the critical nature of explosive ordnance disposal teams within the mission's area of operations, especially following recent hostilities.

UNIFIL has initiated an investigation into the incident, with preliminary assessments suggesting the gunfire originated from non-state actors, allegedly linked to Hezbollah. The organization underscored "the obligations of all parties under international law to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property at all times," adding that "deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes."

In a strong appeal, UNIFIL urged the Lebanese government to "swiftly launch an investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the crimes committed against UNIFIL peacekeepers."