Wed Sep 03 07:10:29 UTC 2025: **Headline: UNIFIL Peacekeepers Targeted by Israeli Drones in Serious Breach of Ceasefire**
**Beirut, Lebanon** – The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned a serious incident in which Israeli drones dropped grenades dangerously close to peacekeepers near the southern Lebanese border. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, involved four grenades, one landing within 20 meters and three within approximately 100 meters of UN personnel and vehicles. The peacekeepers were working to clear roadblocks hindering access to a UN position.
UNIFIL described the attack as “one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement of last November.” The peacekeeping force said it had informed the Israeli army in advance of its road clearance operation near the village of Marwahin.
“Any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets, and interference with their mandated tasks are unacceptable and a serious violation of Resolution 1701 and international law,” UNIFIL stated, referring to the resolution that ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The incident comes amid near-daily attacks by Israel on Lebanon since November, ostensibly targeting Hezbollah sites but resulting in civilian casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage.
The United Nations Security Council recently extended UNIFIL’s mandate until the end of 2026, followed by a year-long drawdown and withdrawal. This move has been pushed by Israel and the United States, who accuse UNIFIL of providing political cover for Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to occupy at least five points on Lebanese territory, a violation of the November ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has rejected calls to disarm, stating that Lebanon’s sovereignty can only be achieved by ending Israeli “aggression”. He insists that Israel must first withdraw from Lebanese territory, release prisoners, and halt attacks before discussions on integrating Hezbollah’s arsenal into a national defense strategy can proceed.
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