The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned recent Israeli drone strikes targeting its peacekeepers near the southern Lebanese town of Kfarkela, describing the incident as a “clear violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the mission’s mandate in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL spokesperson Danny Jefry told AlQahera News that the peacekeepers were conducting a routine patrol when an Israeli drone flew dangerously close to them, prompting the soldiers to take defensive measures under established rules of engagement. A second drone then dropped a small explosive near their position, though no casualties or equipment damage were reported.
Jefry noted that this was the third such incident in one month, stressing that UNIFIL “strongly condemned the attack” and called on the Israeli military to immediately halt operations that endanger regional security and stability.
He reiterated that UNIFIL operates in southern Lebanon at the request of the Lebanese government and under a Security Council mandate, focusing on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in restoring stability and ensuring the safe return of civilians to their communities.
“UNIFIL peacekeepers carry out dozens of humanitarian and security missions daily in coordination with the Lebanese army,” Jefry said. “Our goal is to maintain calm, prevent escalation, and contribute to lasting peace in southern Lebanon.”
Regarding border incidents and Israeli accusations, the spokesperson explained that UNIFIL maintains open lines of communication with the Israeli military to clarify events and avoid misunderstandings.
He added that UNIFIL has formally notified Israel of the latest attack, describing the Israeli tank shell fired near a UNIFIL site as a “serious and unjustified breach” of Resolution 1701. Jefry urged Israel to honor its international commitments and withdraw from Lebanese territories it continues to occupy in violation of UN resolutions.
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