Beijing: The United Nations issued a statement condemning an Israeli drone attack on its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, calling it one of the most serious incidents targeting its personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement reached last November.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drones dropped four grenades near peacekeepers under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Tuesday morning. The peacekeepers were engaged in clearing roadblocks that were obstructing access to a UN position close to the Blue Line, a border demarcation established by the UN in 2000 between Lebanon and Israel.

One of the grenades landed within 20 meters of UN personnel and vehicles, while the other three fell within approximately 100 meters. The drones were seen returning to areas south of the Blue Line after the attack. The statement highlighted that the IDF had been informed in advance of UNIFIL’s road clearance work.

The road clearance operation was halted following the incident due to safety concerns for the peacekeepers. The statement emphasized that any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets, or interfering with their mandated tasks, are unacceptable and constitute a violation of Resolution 1701 and international law.

The responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers carrying out Security Council-mandated duties lies with the IDF, the statement asserted.

The UN Security Council extended UNIFIL’s mandate on August 28 for the final time before its planned withdrawal. Resolution 2790, unanimously adopted by the 15-member council, extends the mandate until December 31, 2026, before a drawdown and withdrawal within one year. It also calls for Israel to withdraw its forces north of the Blue Line and to lift the designated buffer zones north of the line.