According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, a UN peacekeeper was injured while the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastarra, southern Lebanon. The Blue Line, established by the UN, runs along Lebanon’s southern border as a withdrawal line confirming Israel’s exit from southern Lebanon. On the same day, another UNIFIL patrol reported machine gun fire from south of the Blue Line near Kfar Shouba. Mr. Dujarric stated that UNIFIL had informed the Israel Defense Forces about their activities in advance, following standard procedures for patrolling sensitive areas. In recent days, incidents hindering UNIFIL’s movements have also occurred. Any threat to the safety of UN peacekeepers is unacceptable. Mr. Dujarric urged all parties to stop actions that endanger peacekeepers and interfere with their work under Security Council resolution 1701. He also reminded parties of their duty to ensure the peacekeepers’ safety.
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