UNIFIL has been active in south Lebanon since 1978, primarily to monitor ceasefires and facilitate humanitarian access.Any deliberate attack on the UN personnel and property is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Resolution 1701.

Israel has accused UNIFIL of failing to enforce Resolution 1701, which calls for a ceasefire and Hezbollah's disarmament. Israeli officials argue UNIFIL has not adequately restrained Hezbollah, while experts counter that both sides have violated the resolution's terms. Israeli leaders have expressed frustrations, calling UNIFIL a “human shield” for Hezbollah. Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for UNIFIL's withdrawal, stating it enables Hezbollah’s operations.

Israeli rhetoric increasingly portrays UNIFIL as colluding with Hezbollah, feeding into a “dangerous and inaccurate” anti-UN narrative. This perception may impact future peacekeeping stability in the region. While heavy Israeli airstrikes have devastated southern Lebanon, flattening towns, killing over 2,574 people, and injuring more than 12,000 as of October.

A leaked report shows Israel’s use of incendiary white phosphorus near UNIFIL bases, injuring 15 peacekeepers. Other reported incidents include direct fire on UNIFIL positions, demolitions of observation towers, and forcible entry into UNIFIL compounds. Rights groups warn that Israel's actions could amount to war crimes. UNIFIL has been active in south Lebanon since 1978, primarily to monitor ceasefires and facilitate humanitarian access.

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Chronology

Chronology of important events from October 1 to October 20, 2024, regarding the incidents involving Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

October 1, 2024

Israel begins an invasion of Southern Lebanon, accompanied by airstrikes targeting locations throughout Lebanon. UNIFIL Non-Intervention: UNIFIL forces do not intervene and remain in their positions.

October 4, 2024

IDF Orders Irish UNIFIL Withdrawal: IDF requests Irish UNIFIL personnel to vacate a position; both UNIFIL representatives and the Irish government decline.

October 9, 2024

Disabling of UN Surveillance Systems: IDF soldiers reportedly disable video surveillance, lighting systems, and a radio repeater at UNIFIL bases UNP 1-31 and UNP 1-32A in South Lebanon through small arms fire.

October 10, 2024

IDF Fires on UNIFIL Positions: Israeli troops open fire on three UNIFIL positions, including the main base in Naqoura. Two Indonesian peacekeepers are injured when an Israeli tank fires on an observation tower. IDF demands the immediate withdrawal of all UNIFIL personnel within 5 km of the Israel-Lebanon border; contributing countries decline the request.

October 11, 2024

IDF attacks the Naqoura base again, injuring two Sri Lankan peacekeepers and damaging the perimeter wall. UNIFIL bases suffer heavy damage during clashes between IDF and Hezbollah. International Condemnation: France, Italy, and Spain release a joint statement condemning the attacks; the U.S. government calls on Israel to cease attacks on UNIFIL bases. UN Response: The United Nations terms the incident a "serious development."

October 12, 2024

Another Indonesian peacekeeper is injured by Israeli fire. Condemnation by 44 Nations: Poland, joined by 43 other countries, condemns Israel’s attacks on UNIFIL, calling for a halt to attacks and protections for UN personnel. Countries include the UK, Germany, France, Italy, India, and others.

October 13, 2024

Two IDF Merkava tanks reportedly breach a UNIFIL position, destroying the gate and staying for 45 minutes despite objections. Within an hour after the tanks depart, white phosphorus munitions are fired within 100 meters of the base, injuring 15 peacekeepers. Further International Condemnation: 40 countries issue a joint statement condemning the IDF's actions against UNIFIL personnel and positions.

October 18

Peacekeepers in Meiss ej Jebel ran out of water after weeks without resupply. Access to positions near the Blue Line has been tough. While most positions have enough food and water for over 10 days, this one hadn’t received supplies since 29 Sept due to blocked roads. After delays from clearing the roads due to active fighting and warnings from the IDF of military activities, the position was finally resupplied on October 18 with food, water and essentials, allowing peacekeepers to continue their work.

October 20, 2024

Attack on UNIFIL Base in Marwahin: IDF attacks a UNIFIL base in Marwahin, demolishing an observation tower and perimeter fence with a bulldozer.

October 22, 2024

On 22 October, peacekeepers on duty at a permanent observation post near Dhayra were observing IDF soldiers conducting house clearing operations nearby. Upon realizing they were being observed, the IDF soldiers fired at the post. The duty guards withdrew to avoid being shot.

Unifil statement :* "The IDF has repeatedly demanded that UNIFIL vacate its positions along the Blue Line and has deliberately damaged camera, lighting, and communications equipment at some of these positions. Despite the pressure being exerted on the mission and our troop-contributing countries, peacekeepers remain in position and on task. We will continue to undertake our mandated tasks to monitor and report. We remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property. Any deliberate attack on them is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of Resolution 1701."*

November 7, 2024

A UNIFIL convoy bringing newly-arrived peacekeepers to south Lebanon was passing Saida when a drone strike occurred nearby. Five peacekeepers were lightly injured and treated by the Lebanese Red Cross on the spot. They will continue to their posts. The Lebanese Army also confirmed three of its soldiers at the nearby checkpoint were injured.

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2026 Events

In March 2026, in the broader context of renewed Israeli hostilities against Iran and Lebanon—targeting both armed groups and civilian populations—UNIFIL once again came under pressure and attack.

UNIFIL statement (04 March 2026)

"UNIFIL notes with serious concern the latest Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement demanding evacuation of the civilian population from UNIFIL’s area of operations to north of the Litani river. UNIFIL also observed new rounds of rockets and missiles from Lebanese territory into Israel in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701. Within the area of operations, peacekeepers observed today several IDF movements and military activities, including near El Khiam, Beit Lif, Yaroun, Houla, Kfar Kila, Kherbeh and Kfar Shouba. All of these are happening while Israeli airstrikes and other air activities continue. These not only violate Resolution 1701, but also Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. UNIFIL peacekeepers remain on the ground and on task in south Lebanon and along the Blue Line. Given the complexity of the situation, they have adapted their activities in support of Resolution 1701, including, where possible, facilitation of humanitarian support and protection of civilians. The mission’s civilian footprint will be adjusted accordingly. UNIFIL reiterates its call to all actors to exercise maximum restraint and redouble efforts to prevent the current situation from spiraling out of control."

On 6 March 2026, three UN peacekeepers were injured when their UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon (Qawzah) was hit during heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The affected troops belonged to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Ghana Armed Forces contingent. Two soldiers were critically injured, and part of the base, including the officers’ mess, was destroyed by fire after missile strikes.

While the source of the attack was not confirmed and is under investigation, Joseph Aoun, president of Lebanon, accused Israel of targeting the peacekeepers. Emmanuel Macron, president of France, condemned the incident as an “unacceptable attack” on UN forces.

UNIFIL Statement (6 March 2026):

"Amidst heavy firing this evening, three peacekeepers were injured inside their base in Al Qawzah, southwestern Lebanon. The most severely injured has been transferred to hospital in Beirut for treatment. The two others are being treated in a UNIFIL medical facility. A fire on the base has been extinguished. UNIFIL will investigate the circumstances of this terrible event. It is unacceptable that peacekeepers performing Security Council-mandated tasks are targeted. We strongly remind all actors of their obligations under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and properties at all times. Any attack on UNIFIL peacekeepers constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and of the Security Council Resolution 1701 and may amount to a war crime."

Casualties:

There is no single official cumulative figure published publicly by the UN, but from documented incidents since 7 October 2023 we can identify several confirmed cases of injured United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

Confirmed incidents:

1. 28 October 2023 – Houla (South Lebanon) :1 UN peacekeeper injured after two mortar shells hit a UNIFIL base. Occurred during early Israel–Hezbollah border clashes following the Gaza war.

2. 30 March 2024 – Southern Lebanon border patrol: 3 UN military observers (from the UN Truce Supervision Organization) and 1 Lebanese translator injured when a shell exploded near their patrol close to the Israeli border.

3. 10 October 2024 – Southern Lebanon: 2 UNIFIL peacekeepers injured when an Israeli tank fired at an observation tower, causing them to fall.

4. 11 October 2024 – Naqoura: 2 Indonesian peacekeepers injured after Israeli tank fire hit a UNIFIL position.

5. 13 October 2024 – Ramyah UNIFIL post: 15 UN peacekeepers injured after Israeli tanks forced entry into a UN position and fired rounds nearby, causing smoke and chemical irritation in the camp.

6. 29 October 2024 – UNIFIL headquarters, Naqoura: 8 peacekeepers wounded when a rocket struck the UN headquarters compound. UNIFIL said the rocket was likely fired by Hezbollah or an affiliated group.

7. 6 March 2026 – Qawzah (Bint Jbeil District): 3 UN peacekeepers from Ghana injured when missiles struck their battalion headquarters during heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Approximate total: From the documented incidents alone, at least about 31 UNIFIL peacekeepers have been injured in southern Lebanon since October 2023. 3 UN observers and 1 Lebanese translators.