Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeeper killed in Lebanon blast

All UNIFIL troops are set to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the end of 2026.

By World Israel News Staff

An Indonesian national serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed Sunday evening, while another peacekeeper was critically wounded.

“A peacekeeper was tragically killed last night when a projectile exploded in a UNIFIL position near Adchit Al Qusayr,” UNIFIL said in a statement posted to its official X account.

“Another was critically injured. No one should ever lose their life serving the cause of peace.”

UNIFIL said it has launched an investigation into the incident but has not yet determined the source of the projectile.

The organization condemned the incident in a message posted to its website, with a spokesperson referencing recent events “that have jeopardized the safety and security of peacekeepers.”

In the same statement, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called on “all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times.”

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday that one of its citizens was killed by artillery fire in southern Lebanon.

Established in 1978, UNIFIL is a multinational peacekeeping force composed of personnel from 46 countries, stationed in southern Lebanon with the stated goal of preventing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

The force has faced longstanding criticism for failing to intervene during repeated Hezbollah violations of ceasefire agreements with Israel.

Following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 massacres, Hezbollah launched a campaign of unprovoked attacks on communities in northern Israel, including explosive drones, rockets, and missiles on a near-daily basis.

UNIFIL has maintained that it lacks the authority and capability to directly intervene in such hostilities, raising questions about the mission’s effectiveness and long-term viability.

Amid growing scrutiny, the United Nations has announced that all UNIFIL troops will withdraw from southern Lebanon by the end of 2026.