UN peacekeeper injured by gunfire in southern Lebanon

By Wassim Saifuldine

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AA) – A UN peacekeeper was injured by gunfire in southern Lebanon, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said the source of the gunfire was not yet known and an investigation has been launched.

"Attacks against civilians or United Nations personnel are violations of international law that may amount to war crimes," Tenenti said.

He urged all parties “to cease fire to ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel and all people living near the Blue Line.”

On Sunday, a UN peacekeeper was injured by gunfire in southern Lebanon.

Tension has flared along the border between Israel and Lebanon amid intermittent exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, in the deadliest clashes since the two sides fought a full-scale war in 2006.

The border tension comes as Israel widened its air and ground operations in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Israeli border towns on Oct. 7.

*Writing by Ziad Aslan in Ankara