rki.news | Sources Xinhua

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that a United Nations peacekeeper in Lebanon was killed by mortar shells fired from Hezbollah that struck a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) position overnight.

UNIFIL earlier confirmed that one peacekeeper died from injuries sustained when mortar shells hit its position in southeastern Lebanon the previous night, while two other peacekeepers were injured in the same incident.

The IDF said it identified several launches originating from Hezbollah positions in the Al-Qatrani area that landed inside the UNIFIL site in southern Lebanon. It added that trajectory analysis indicated Hezbollah was responsible for the fire.

“Hezbollah’s launches endanger international forces and also harm UN personnel operating in the area,” the IDF statement said.

The military also released a graphic it said showed the source of fire and the estimated six-kilometre shell trajectory toward the UN position.

Cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have continued along the Lebanon–Israel frontier despite a ceasefire framework. UNIFIL has urged all parties to respect their obligations under international law and ensure the protection and safety of United Nations personnel and facilities operating in the region.