Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and three others injured when a UNIFIL patrol came under small-arms fire in the village of Ghanduriyah, southern Lebanon, while clearing explosive ordnance along a road, the mission stated. Two of the injured are reported to be seriously hurt, and all were evacuated for medical treatment.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, which occurred despite the announcement of a 10-day cessation of hostilities on 16 April. The Secretary-General's spokesperson indicated that Hezbollah militants are presumed responsible. The statement called on all parties to uphold international law, respect the ceasefire, and ensure the safety of UN personnel and property.
UNIFIL described the incident as a deliberate attack on peacekeepers carrying out mandated tasks, emphasizing the critical nature of their explosive ordnance disposal work following recent hostilities. The mission said initial assessments point to non-state actors, allegedly Hezbollah, and has launched an investigation. UNIFIL also called on the Lebanese government to investigate and hold those responsible accountable, highlighting that such attacks violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.
The mission expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased peacekeeper and wished a full recovery to those injured.