Four Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) sustained injuries on Tuesday when a rocket struck their base in the Ramyeh area of southern Lebanon. This attack was one of three violent incidents targeting UN peacekeeping personnel and facilities that day.
Another UNIFIL base in Shama was also damaged by rocket fire as heavy fighting continued between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in the region. Additionally, a UN patrol near Khirbat Silim came under fire from an armed individual, though no injuries were reported in that incident.
UN Peacekeeping Chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed deep concern about the escalating hostilities and their impact on UN personnel. “If military activities are carried out in the vicinity of a UN position, then that is putting U.N. peacekeepers in danger. This is what we impress upon all parties,” he said, urging all sides to prioritize the safety and security of UN personnel.
UNIFIL has launched investigations into each attack and informed the Lebanese army. The incidents occurred amidst intensifying violence in the region, including an Israeli airstrike on Beirut the previous day. The airstrike hit a central area near the UN headquarters, parliament, and multiple embassies, leaving five people dead and 31 injured, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
The ongoing conflict, which began over 13 months ago, has seen Israel escalate its bombardment of Lebanon in an effort to weaken Hezbollah and halt cross-border attacks. However, there are emerging signs of diplomatic progress.
U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, visiting Beirut for ceasefire discussions, described his talks with Lebanese officials as “constructive.” Hochstein emphasized Washington’s commitment to resolving the conflict, noting that Hezbollah had reportedly responded positively to a U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal aimed at removing Israeli ground forces from Lebanon and creating a buffer zone at the Israeli border.