Israeli Gunfire Hits UN Patrol in Southern Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that its patrol was attacked by Israeli gunfire in the southern Lebanese village of Aitaroun. According to UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, the incident resulted in damage to the peacekeepers’ vehicle but no injuries. Tenenti expressed grave concern, stating, “This attack on peacekeepers, dedicated to reducing tensions and restoring stability in southern Lebanon, is deeply troubling.”
The Lebanon-Israel border has seen heightened tensions for the past seven weeks following Hizbullah’s rocket attacks on Israel on Oct. 8, in solidarity with Hamas’ earlier attacks. This prompted artillery fire by Israeli forces into southeastern Lebanon. However, a recent four-day humanitarian cease-fire, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, has led to a de-escalation of confrontations on the border.
Lebanese military sources have reported that since October 8, 125 people have been killed in Lebanon, including members of Hizbullah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad movements, the Amal Movement, and civilians.
