Sergeant Milovan Jovanivić has been identified as the peacekeeper who lost his life in a new attack in Lebanon. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement strongly condemning the killing and extending his deepest condolences to the deceased ‘blue helmet’s’ loved ones and colleagues.
Two other peacekeepers were injured in the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment at a UNIFIL facility. An investigation has been launched by UNIFIL to determine the precise circumstances of the tragic event, with the force emphasizing that “The violence must end.”
The origin of the shelling remains unclear. This development occurs amidst escalating exchanges of fire between the Israeli military in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah fighters, who are not affiliated with the Lebanese army. UNIFIL highlighted that “Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes.”
UN Chief Guterres stressed the importance of accountability, stating, “All attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable.” He also urged all combatants to adhere to the cessation of hostilities announced on April 16 and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts for its extension and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).
The attack took place just hours before a US-announced ceasefire renewal agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Reports indicate that Hezbollah’s military wing leaders have rejected this agreement, deeming it “futile.” UN Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the ceasefire deal reached in Washington and called for all parties to respect the agreement and comply with international law.
Guterres urged Hezbollah to respect the Lebanese Government’s authority and its exclusive control over weapons, and called on Israel to fully withdraw from the area north of the Blue Line of separation. He expressed hope that the deal would foster lasting peace.
Serbian authorities confirmed that the fallen peacekeeper was a Serbian national. He received emergency medical care after his base was attacked and was subsequently airlifted to a Beirut hospital, where he passed away. A total of seven UN peacekeepers have been killed in Lebanon since hostilities commenced on March 2. UNIFIL extended its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and wished for the swift recovery of the injured peacekeepers.
UNIFIL has reported an increasing number of trajectories and impacts across southern Lebanon. The current wave of violence began on March 2 when Hezbollah fighters fired into northern Israel, shortly after Israeli-US bombing of Iran at the end of February. The latest truce deal, which reportedly excludes Hezbollah, includes the establishment of “pilot zones” to be controlled by the Lebanese army.
The ongoing violence has displaced over one million people in Lebanon, leaving communities living in fear. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that families in southern Beirut are afraid to remain in their homes due to the threat of attacks. UNICEF spokesperson Christophe Boulierac noted that people often visit their homes during the day and leave at night. Videos on Monday showed thousands of vehicles attempting to leave Beirut’s southern suburbs following warnings of potential Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds. Stéphane Dujarric, UN Spokesperson, stated on Wednesday that an estimated 200,000 people in Beirut alone were displaced from the southern suburbs after the Israel Defense Forces issued an evacuation order on June 1.
