Preliminary findings from a United Nations investigation into the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon indicate that one was killed by an Israeli tank projectile, while the other two likely died from an improvised explosive device (IED) placed by Hezbollah, the UN said on Tuesday.
Investigation Details
- UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric clarified that the results are preliminary, based on initial physical evidence.
- A full investigation remains ongoing, with engagement from all relevant parties.
- Dujarric described the incidents as “unacceptable” and suggested they could amount to war crimes under international law.
The UN has requested that national authorities investigate and prosecute the cases to hold perpetrators accountable.
Incident Context
The peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon on March 29 and 30 during a weekend of heavy fighting that also claimed the lives of Lebanese journalists and medics in Israeli strikes.
Ongoing bombardment forced a Vatican-organized humanitarian convoy to turn back while attempting to reach a besieged Christian town, according to a local priest.
UNIFIL Convoy Blocked
On the same day, a UNIFIL spokesperson reported that the Israeli military had blocked a UN logistics convoy and briefly detained a UN peacekeeper.
- Spokesperson Kandice Ardiel called the detention a blatant violation of international law.
- Israel has reportedly launched an internal investigation into the matter and informed UNIFIL of the inquiry.
This preliminary report highlights rising tensions in southern Lebanon, complicating humanitarian efforts and putting peacekeeping operations at risk.
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