UN peacekeeper injured in southern Lebanon shooting

BEIRUT

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Sunday that one of its soldier was shot by an unknown gunman in southern Lebanon early Sunday.

In a statement, UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said one of the peacekeepers was hit by a bullet shortly after midnight near Al-Quzah village.

“The injured soldier underwent surgery and is now recovering,” the spokesman added.

Tenenti said the source of the shooting is currently unknown, and an investigation has been launched.

He reminded the parties in Lebanon and Israel of their “obligations to protect peacekeepers and avoid endangering the men and women working to restore stability.”

The spokesperson stressed that "attacks against civilians or United Nations personnel are violations of international law that may amount to war crimes."

Since Oct. 8, the Lebanese-Israeli border has witnessed intermittent bombardment between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, causing causalities on both sides.