Beirut: On Friday, 26 December 2025, heavy machine gunfire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions south of the Blue Line impacted close to a UNIFIL patrol inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastarra in southern Lebanon. The gunfire followed a grenade explosion nearby, leaving one United Nations peacekeeper injured. In a separate incident on Friday, another UNIFIL patrol reported machine gunfire from south of the Blue Line in immediate proximity to their position near the village of Kfar Shouba.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, UNIFIL had informed the Israel Defense Forces about the activities in those areas in advance, following usual practice for patrols in sensitive areas near the Blue Line. In recent days, incidents of restriction of UNIFIL's movement by local individuals have also taken place in the Mission's area of operations.

The UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson emphasized that any act that may jeopardize the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers is completely unacceptable. A call was reiterated to all actors to cease activities that risk the wellbeing of peacekeepers and interfere with their mandated activities in support of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. The parties were reminded of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers.