UN peacekeepers caught in deadly strike
At least five UN peacekeepers were injured, and three civilians lost their lives after an Israeli airstrike targeted southern Lebanon’s city of Sidon on Thursday. The UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, reported that the incident occurred as a convoy carrying newly assigned peacekeepers passed through the area.
Israel remains silent on Sidon incident
Israel has not issued any statements regarding the strike in Sidon, which came in response to Hezbollah’s missile attack on a military base near Israel’s main international airport on Wednesday. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in late September when Israel shifted its focus to securing its northern border alongside its continuing offensive in Gaza.
Diplomatic efforts face challenges
As mediation efforts struggle, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains committed to pursuing peace in both Gaza and Lebanon before President-elect Donald Trump’s administration takes over in January.
Gaza shelter targeted in airstrike
In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter resulted in the deaths of 12 people. Eyewitness Ibrahim al-Madhoun described the tragic aftermath, noting that women and children were among the victims of missile attacks.
Background of Hezbollah’s involvement
Hezbollah’s strikes on Israel began last year, backing its ally Hamas after the significant October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that escalated the war in Gaza.
Lebanese army reports casualties
The Lebanese army confirmed that the strike in Sidon targeted a car near a military checkpoint, leading to the deaths of three civilians, injuries to three soldiers, and wounds to Malaysian UN peacekeepers. UNIFIL stated that five peacekeepers sustained minor injuries and called for all parties to prevent actions that endanger civilians and peacekeeping forces. Malaysia’s defense ministry reported damage to a bus carrying peacekeepers, affecting six soldiers.
Lebanon accuses Israel of repeated aggression
Lebanon’s foreign ministry condemned Israel, accusing it of recurrently targeting UNIFIL, army personnel, and civilians.
Strikes impact Beirut airport
Israeli airstrikes also extended to Beirut’s southern suburbs, including an area close to the airport. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as travelers fled with their luggage when the strikes occurred.
