A Serbian peacekeeper died this morning from serious wounds sustained in mortar explosions at his post near Marjayoun, southeastern Lebanon. "Two other peacekeepers, also injured, are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility within the base," said UNIFIL, the UN mission in Lebanon, which is ravaged by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. According to official statements, a ceasefire is in place. Instead, the shooting continues.
The Serbian soldier was killed approximately 70 kilometers northeast of the Shama base, which hosts the Italian UNIFIL contingent led by the Sassari Brigade. The base is located in the eastern sector of the UN mission.
"Immediately after the incident, which occurred late yesterday evening," UNIFIL announced, "the peacekeeper was airlifted to a hospital in Beirut in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries. We express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the peacekeeper who lost his life in the service of peace."
UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragic incident. Meanwhile, mission officials have detected an increasing number of trajectories and impacts in southern Lebanon. The violence must stop. We also call on the relevant national authorities to investigate the incident, bring those responsible to justice, and ensure full criminal accountability for what happened.
"On behalf of the Italian Armed Forces, I wish to express our deepest condolences following the tragic events of last night, when a UNIFIL base in Sector East was hit by mortar fire, resulting in the death of a Serbian peacekeeper," wrote Chief of the Italian Defense Staff, Luciano Portolano. In this moment of profound grief, he added, "our thoughts are with the family of the fallen soldier and with the Serbian Armed Forces, to whom we express our sincere solidarity. Italy stands with all UNIFIL personnel who continue to operate with professionalism and courage, committed to the cause of peace."
Meanwhile, the Arab spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Avichay Adraee, issued an evacuation warning to residents of southern Lebanon on X, stating that "fighting against facilities used by Hezbollah is still ongoing. Do not move south of the Zahrani River." This is the first official evacuation warning issued since the United States announced the resumption of the ceasefire.