In southern Lebanon, three Indonesian members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed in separate attacks carried out by the Israeli military. This marks the first fatal assault on UN peacekeepers since renewed full-scale hostilities erupted on 2 March between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
On Monday, 30 March, an unexploded device targeted a UNIFIL vehicle near the town of Bani Hayyan, claiming the lives of two peacekeepers and seriously wounding two others. The night before, a direct artillery strike near a UN observation post in the village of Adchit al-Qusayr killed another Indonesian peacekeeper. UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardiel confirmed that investigations into both incidents are being conducted with utmost seriousness.
The deadly attacks have provoked widespread condemnation internationally. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Monday expressing strong protest, describing any harm against peacekeepers as entirely unacceptable and contrary to international norms. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, after speaking with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday, publicly demanded a swift and transparent investigation via social media platform X, while urging the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session. Jakarta reiterated its condemnation of Israeli military aggression in southern Lebanon and called for the immediate safeguarding of peacekeeping personnel.
UN Secretary-General Guterres strongly denounced the attacks, calling targeting peacekeepers a grave violation of international humanitarian law, potentially constituting a war crime. UN Peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix emphasised to reporters that peacekeepers should never be treated as targets in any conflict and that such unacceptable actions would not be tolerated.
The Israeli military issued a statement on Tuesday morning acknowledging the incidents and confirming that it is examining whether the casualties resulted from Hezbollah’s actions or their own military operations.
The escalation between Israel and Hezbollah has placed thousands of international peacekeepers in extreme danger. In southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, intensified ground offensives and aerial bombardments have made it difficult for civilians and peacekeepers to evacuate conflict zones safely.
Analysts warn that attacks on peacekeepers could alter the trajectory of the conflict and heighten international diplomatic pressure on Israel. UNIFIL has maintained its operational presence in the region but has instructed all personnel to remain on high alert.
Casualties Among Indonesian UNIFIL Peacekeepers
| Name | Rank | Location | Date of Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murtaza | Soldier | Bani Hayyan | 30 March 2026 |
| Hasan | Soldier | Bani Hayyan | 30 March 2026 |
| Rafi | Soldier | Adchit al-Qusayr | 29 March 2026 |
The international community has voiced deep concern over these attacks, highlighting the urgent need to protect peacekeepers and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law in conflict zones.