Israel denies role in UNIFIL troops' killing in Southern Lebanon

In a post on X, the IDF said, "Over the past day, the IDF completed its review of the incident yesterday, in which it was reported that UNIFIL troops were killed by the explosion of an explosive device in the Bani Haiyyan area in southern Lebanon."

https://x.com/IDF/status/2039071619369357617

The IDF said a "comprehensive operational examination" into the explosion in the Bani Haiyyan area concluded that " no explosive device was placed in the area by IDF troops, and that no IDF troops were present in the area at all."

The military added that its operations in the region are directed against Hezbollah, and not against UNIFIL, the Lebanese Armed Forces or civilians.

"The IDF is operating against Hezbollah, and not against UNIFIL, the Lebanese Armed Forces, or Lebanese civilians," the X post said.

The IDF also urged UNIFIL to " avoid presence in combat zones where the IDF has issued warnings to the civilian population to evacuate for their safety."

The incident and the IDF's response come amid heightened tensions along the Israeli-Lebanon border, where exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have intensified.

Earlier on Monday (local time), the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed that two of its peacekeepers were killed and two others injured after an explosion of unknown origin struck their vehicle in south Lebanon.

According to a statement issued by UNIFIL, the incident occurred near Bani Hayyan in Southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of two peacekeepers, while a third one sustained severe injuries and a fourth one was also wounded.

This was the second fatal incident involving the mission's personnel in the past 24 hours. UNIFIL stated that no one should have to lose their life while serving the cause of peace.

"Two UNIFIL peacekeepers were tragically killed in south Lebanon today, when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan. A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and a fourth was also hurt. This is the second fatal incident in the last 24 hours. We reiterate that no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace," the statement read.

The mission said an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the explosion and also expressed hope for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident.

This incident came moments after a United Nations peacekeeper was killed and another critically injured after a projectile struck a UNIFIL position near Adchit Al Qusayr in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, the UNIFIL stated that the origin of the projectile remains unknown, and an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, on Monday (local time), France called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council following a series of deadly incidents involving UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the death and injuries of several of its personnel.

In a statement on X, French Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot said he had requested the urgent convening of the UNSC after what he described as "extremely serious incidents" affecting personnel of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). (ANI)