UN peacekeeping chief warns of rising violence in Lebanon as peacekeepers come under attack

The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday at the request of France and Indonesia following the deaths of three UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon within 24 hours. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, warned that violence along the Lebanon-Israel border is rapidly escalating, with intensified clashes, daily rocket fire, air strikes, and troop movements near the Blue Line. He reported that two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed on 30 March when an explosion destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan, while a third was killed the previous day by a projectile that struck a UNIFIL base in Taybeh — developments he condemned as "abhorrent". Lacroix detailed a worrying increase in Israeli Forces obstruction of UNIFIL movements, including warning shots and tank fire at UN vehicles, as well as heavy small arms fire from unidentified groups. He noted that Israeli forces have advanced up to 11 kilometres north of the Blue Line, establishing effective control over substantial areas, with politicians openly discussing the creation of a buffer zone and destruction of villages, while Hezbollah continues daily attacks — both in violation of Resolution 1701. Lacroix highlighted mounting civilian suffering and growing displacement, and stressed that UN personnel "must never be a target", calling for accountability and the Council's unified backing for UNIFIL, stating it is "not merely important — it is indispensable". Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly
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