UNIFIL comes under fire: Deliberate attacks violate international law and Resolution 1701

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the international force operating in southern Lebanon, announced in a statement that “a UNIFIL site near Kafr Kila on the Blue Line in the eastern sector was subjected to small-arms fire yesterday morning. All peacekeepers stationed at the site took cover after the initial burst of fire, and no injuries were reported among them.” The statement added that “most of the bullets struck the outer wall of the UNIFIL site, although some also hit residential units and United Nations vehicles inside the base, resulting in several damages to the site’s buildings.” It emphasized that “it is unacceptable for fire to continue to be directed at a UNIFIL site bearing clear markings, as such deliberate attacks pose a grave risk to the lives of peacekeepers. UNIFIL has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of this incident.” The force strongly reminded all parties of their obligations under international law to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property at all times, noting that any attack on UNIFIL peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to a war crime.