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 sites heard a grenade explode near an excavator, about 500 metres away from them.
 
Moments later, the first group saw a drone fly overhead and witnessed an explosion about 30-40 metres away. About 20 minutes after that, the second group saw another drone drop a grenade that exploded just 20 metres over their heads.
 
UNIFIL had informed the IDF about the activity in advance, and immediately demanded that the firing stop. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the works eventually continued.
 
Attacks on peacekeepers or interference with their mandated tasks shows disregard for the safety and security of UNIFIL peacekeepers and the Lebanese army, and the stability they are working to restore in south Lebanon. Such actions also constitute a serious violation of Security Council resolution 1701. We call on the IDF to cease attacks on or near peacekeepers, civilians, and Lebanese soldiers and allow us to carry out our mandated tasks without obstruction.