The Israeli army fired warning shots at United Nations peacekeepers patrolling near the southern Lebanese town of Rmeish, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Saturday. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident, which took place during a scheduled patrol. In a separate event, an Israeli military patrol reportedly aimed laser beams at UN peacekeepers, raising further concerns about the safety of UN personnel. "Any action that endangers the safety of UN peacekeepers while performing their mandated duties is unacceptable," Tenenti said. The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding the report. The incidents come amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since November 2024, following a surge in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict in September. According to Lebanese authorities, Israel has committed nearly 1,100 violations of the truce, including air and ground incursions that have resulted in at least 92 deaths and more than 285 injuries. UN Security Council Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, mandates a halt to hostilities and the creation of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line — the de facto border — and the Litani River. Only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are permitted to operate in the area. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel has delayed its full military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, missing the original deadline of Jan. 26. The extension to Feb. 18 also passed without full compliance, with Israeli forces still stationed at five border outposts. — Agencies
