UN chief condemns killing of Serbian peacekeeper in Lebanon

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the killing of a Serbian peacekeeper in southern Lebanon, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. The peacekeeper died from wounds sustained Wednesday from mortar fire at his base, marking the seventh fatality within the UN's peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since the broader Middle East conflict escalated in early March. Two other peacekeepers were injured in the same incident.

Stephane Dujarric, Guterres' spokesman, stated, "The secretary-general again urges all actors to respect the cessation of hostilities announced on 16 April 2026." He emphasized that "all attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable." UNIFIL has initiated its own investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting the position was struck by indirect fire originating from north of the Litani River.

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The secretary-general again urges all actors to respect the cessation of hostilities announced on 16 April 2026

The violence in southern Lebanon occurs amidst ongoing exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel, with Hezbollah launching attacks in retaliation for Israeli-American operations against Iran. The Israeli army accused Hezbollah of orchestrating the late Wednesday attack in Ibl al-Saqi. In response, Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem demanded Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon and confirmed his group's rejection of a truce announced after recent talks in Washington.

This incident follows Guterres' statement on Monday regarding the necessity of peacekeepers in Lebanon beyond UNIFIL's mandate expiration at year-end, a prospect likely to face opposition from the United States and Israel.

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All attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable