Once again, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was the target of an attack. It was announced that another soldier from the peacekeeping force was injured. With this latest incident, the number of injured soldiers since Thursday has risen to 5. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw UNIFIL forces from the conflict zone. While Israel continues its ground and air attacks on Lebanon, Hezbollah is responding with rockets.

As clashes continue on the Blue Line, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon was once again targeted. This marked the third attack on UNIFIL. In a statement from UNIFIL, it was reported that another UN soldier was injured in the third attack.

According to the statement, the attack occurred at headquarters in the Ras Nakura area in southern Lebanon. Due to ongoing military movements in the area, a soldier was injured by gunshots. It was noted that the source of the shots was unknown. The soldier was reported to have undergone surgery.

UNIFIL called on all actors to refrain from activities in close proximity to their positions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw UNIFIL forces from the conflict zone. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared Guterres persona non grata. Israeli forces had targeted UNIFIL positions in two separate attacks last week, resulting in four soldiers being injured.

Allies with military personnel in the UN and UNIFIL strongly condemned the attacks in response. UNIFIL described the attacks as a “serious development” and emphasized the need to ensure the security of UN personnel and assets. France summoned the Israeli Ambassador and, along with Italy and Spain, issued a statement describing such attacks as “unjust.” Canada expressed that the situation was “worrisome and unacceptable.” President Joe Biden urged Israel not to strike UNIFIL forces.

Meanwhile, Russia stated that it was “angered” and demanded that Israel refrain from “hostile actions” against peacekeepers.