BEIRUT – The Israeli military dropped several grenades in close proximity to peacekeeping soldiers in southern Lebanon, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) described the incident as one of the most severe attacks on the peacekeeping troops and their equipment.
UN soldiers were reportedly engaged in clearing roadblocks near the Blue Line the border between Israel and Lebanon at the time of the attack on Tuesday morning, according to the UN mission.
It said that the Israeli military had been informed of the operation in advance.
One grenade landed only about 20 metres from UN personnel and vehicles, the UN mission said.
Three more detonated within a radius of approximately 100 metres.
The drones then withdrew south of the border into Israel.
Since the end of November, a ceasefire has been in place between Israel and Hezbollah, but both sides regularly accuse each other of violations.
Israel continues to carry out attacks in the neighboring country almost daily.
The agreement also stipulates that Hezbollah should withdraw behind the Litani River, about 30km north of the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The peacekeepers are also tasked with monitoring this withdrawal. (dpa/NAN)
