JAKARTA
Tragedy has struck the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after Israeli artillery shelling hit a peacekeeping position in the southern village of Adshit al-Qusayr. The attack resulted in the death of an Indonesian national serving under the UN flag, while another peacekeeper remains in critical condition.
The incident occurred during a period of escalating tensions and frequent exchanges of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border. UNIFIL officials confirmed the loss on social media, emphasizing that those serving the cause of peace should never be targeted. They warned that deliberate strikes on UN personnel constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and could be classified as war crimes. Following the blast, UN helicopters were deployed to the site to evacuate the wounded and manage the aftermath.
The Indonesian government issued a strong statement condemning the attack and demanding a “thorough and transparent investigation.” The Foreign Ministry expressed deep condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and confirmed they are working closely with the UN to repatriate the body. Three other Indonesian personnel were reportedly injured in the strike and are receiving medical care.
Indonesia has called on all parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and protect civilian infrastructure. With the “Blue Line” seeing a spike in violence, international observers are urging a return to diplomacy. They stress that there is no military solution to the current conflict and that the safety of international peacekeepers must be guaranteed at all costs.