UNIFIL urges peace on the Lebanese-Israeli border after UN observers injured.
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UNIFIL stand guard by the border at the Kafr Shuba region, considered a disputed area between Lebanon and Israel, to ensure security in the town of Kafr Shuba in Nabatieh Governorate, Lebanon on August 28, 2023
Following the injuries of three UN Observer Group Lebanon (OGL) members and one Lebanese translator in an explosion close to the southern Lebanese village of Rmeish, UN peacekeeping mission spokesperson Andrea Tenenti has urged Lebanon and Israel to end the ongoing heavy exchanges of fire on the border areas.
"The safety and security of UN personnel must be guaranteed. All actors have a responsibility under international humanitarian law to ensure the protection of non-combatants, including peacekeepers, journalists, medical personnel, and civilians," said Tenenti, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) spokesperson, in a post on social media platform X on Saturday.
The Lebanese translator and the three OGL military observers—who assist UNIFIL in carrying out its mandate—were on a foot patrol along the Blue Line earlier on Saturday when an explosion happened close to them, according to Xinhua news agency.
The injured people were evacuated for medical treatment, Tenenti said, adding, "We are investigating the origin of the explosion."
According to earlier reports from the local media, the UN observers were targeted by an Israeli strike while in a vehicle close to Rmeish.
However, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee denied such claims, saying that the Israeli army did not target any UN vehicle.
[With inputs from IANS]
