Press releases and statements

Just before noon yesterday, an Israeli drone dropped a grenade that exploded near a UNIFIL position in Kafer Kela. One peacekeeper was lightly injured and received medical assistance. Before the grenade was dropped, peacekeepers had observed two drones flying near their position. This is the second…

Yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped grenades near peacekeepers working alongside Lebanese soldiers to provide security for civilian workers in Maroun ar-Ras. The workers were trying to clear the ruins of homes destroyed due to the war. Around 11:30 am, peacekeepers at two different…

As peace along the Blue Line remains a shared aspiration, Lebanese officials and local leaders joined UNIFIL peacekeepers today in marking the International Day of Peace, which fell on Sunday, 21 September, at the UN mission’s headquarters in Naqoura. This year’s UNIFIL observance was the first in…

Last night’s strikes by Israel in south Lebanon are violations of Security Council resolution 1701 and put the fragile stability that has been built since November of last year at risk. They further undermine civilians’ confidence that a non-violent solution to this conflict is possible…

Yesterday morning, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drones dropped four grenades close to UNIFIL peacekeepers working to clear roadblocks hindering access to a UN position close to the Blue Line. This is one of the most serious attacks on UNIFIL personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities…

UNIFIL expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the families of the personnel who lost their lives in yesterday’s explosion in Naqoura, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. According to the LAF, the incident occurred while its personnel were inspecting a…

Late last night, Lebanon’s Permanent Military Court found guilty six of the individuals charged in the killing of Irish peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney in Al-Aqbieh in December 2022. One individual was acquitted. UNIFIL welcomes the conclusion of the trial process and the Government of Lebanon’s…

This morning, UNIFIL peacekeepers conducting a planned patrol coordinated with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were confronted by a group of individuals in civilian clothing in the vicinity of Hallusiyat al Tahta, in southern Lebanon. The group attempted to obstruct the patrol using aggressive means…

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Major General Abagnara succeeds Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz of Spain…

UNIFIL is concerned by the recent aggressive posture of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) involving UNIFIL personnel and assets near the Blue Line, including yesterday’s incident in which a direct fire hit the perimeter of a UNIFIL position south of the village of Kfar Shouba. In yesterday’s incident…