The UN Security Council has issued strong condemnation following the death of a Serbian peacekeeper who was fatally wounded while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, demanding swift justice and a thorough investigation into the deadly attack.
According to a Security Council press release, the Serbian peacekeeper succumbed to severe injuries after mortar rounds hit his location on June 4. The same bombardment also left two fellow peacekeepers wounded.
Security Council representatives offered their sympathies to the fallen peacekeeper’s family and loved ones, showed support for Serbia, and expressed solidarity with the United Nations. They also expressed hopes for the complete and speedy healing of the injured personnel.
The council’s statement honored UN peacekeeping forces operating in dangerous areas worldwide and expressed gratitude to nations providing military personnel to the Lebanon mission.
Security Council representatives pointed out that seven peacekeepers with the Lebanon force have lost their lives while performing their mission in the country’s southern region since Hezbollah started launching rockets and unmanned aircraft on March 2. Multiple other peacekeepers have suffered injuries as well.
The statement indicated these fatalities are connected to a wider pattern of harassment, threats, and attempts to disrupt the peacekeeping operation’s authorized work in southern Lebanon.
The Security Council reaffirmed its backing for the Lebanon peacekeeping mission and demanded that all involved parties guarantee peacekeeper safety and security, safeguard UN installations, and maintain the operation’s ability to move freely under international law.
Council representatives emphasized that peacekeeping personnel must remain off-limits to attacks and called on all parties to fully honor their responsibilities under international humanitarian law.
The Security Council requested the United Nations to launch an immediate investigation through the Lebanon peacekeeping force and maintain communication with contributing nations about progress and results, in line with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021). It also demanded prompt accountability for those behind the assault.
The statement pushed for greater international assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, including gear, supplies, and funding, to support their positioning south of the Litani River and enhance compliance with Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
Council members additionally voiced alarm about the recent increase in fighting, called on all sides to honor the June 3 ceasefire agreement, and reaffirmed their dedication to Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, territorial boundaries, and national unity.
