Peacekeepers continue to monitor and report to the Security Council on the situation in south Lebanon, despite the dramatic escalation and violence on the ground in recent weeks. Since early October, peacekeepers have observed clashes on the ground in or around Alma Shaab, Aytarun, Bint Jbeil, Hanin, Houla, Kunin, Labbouneh, Markaba, Maroun ar-Ras, Meiss ej Jebel, Ras Naqoura, and Yaroun. Rocket fire from Lebanon and heavy air and artillery strikes from Israel have continued.
While UNIFIL has taken extensive measures to protect the safety and security of its peacekeepers, the security situation is extremely challenging.
Early in the morning on 23 October, two medevac teams meeting at Yarin to transfer a patient came under fire of unknown origin. One vehicle was immobilized and had to be left at the scene.
In the evening that same day, a medical facility at a UNIFIL position in Beit Leif was hit by a shell or rocket of unknown origin, causing damage to buildings.
Later, two shells or rockets, also of unknown origin, impacted near a UNIFIL position in Kafer Chouba, causing damage to living accommodations and shelters. Peacekeepers in both positions were in shelters at the time.
Fortunately, no peacekeepers were hurt in any of these incidents.
All actors are reminded of their obligation to avoid actions putting peacekeepers or civilians in danger. We continue to urge all actors involved in the conflict to resolve their differences at the negotiating table, through a political and diplomatic solution — not through violence. UNIFIL remains on the ground and ready to support this.
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