ASIATODAY.ID, LEBANON — The world is once again on edge. In two consecutive days of deadly attacks in southern Lebanon, United Nations peacekeepers have come under direct fire, leaving casualties including Indonesian personnel, as escalating hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah threaten to spiral into a broader regional conflict.
The United Nations has strongly condemned the attacks. Two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed when an explosion struck a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) logistics convoy, destroying their vehicle and injuring two others.
The incident occurred near Bani Hayyan, just one day after another Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile hit a UNIFIL base in Ett Taibe. A critically injured colleague was evacuated to Beirut and remains hospitalized.
UN: “Peacekeepers Must Never Be Targeted”
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN Peace Operations, denounced the attacks as unacceptable and reiterated the protected status of peacekeeping forces.
“We strongly condemn these incidents. Peacekeepers must never be a target,” he said on March 30, 2026.
UNIFIL has launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attacks and identify those responsible.
Rising Tensions Push Region to the Brink
The violence comes amid intensifying tensions across the Middle East, following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the crisis risks triggering “a chain of events that no one can control” in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
Since March 2, more than 1,200 people have been killed in Lebanon as cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah escalate.
Violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 have multiplied, with strikes occurring in both directions across the Blue Line and reports of Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel described the situation as increasingly dangerous, noting that the mission’s headquarters in Naqoura had been hit by bullets, shrapnel, and even rockets.
“This is a very dangerous and volatile situation,” she said.
Indonesia Honors Fallen Soldier
The Indonesian government has paid its highest tribute to Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon, who was killed while serving under UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. Three other Indonesian soldiers were injured in the same attack.
Foreign Minister Sugiono expressed deep condolences, emphasizing the soldier’s dedication to global peace.
“Our soldier gave his best not only for the nation, but also for humanity and the cause of world peace,” he said during a visit to Tokyo alongside President Prabowo Subianto.
The government has pledged to expedite the repatriation of the fallen soldier’s remains and has instructed the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut to closely monitor the condition of all deployed personnel.
Call for Investigation and De-escalation
Indonesia has called for a full and transparent UNIFIL investigation into the incident and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.
Amid mounting violence, the United Nations stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict.
“There cannot be a military solution. There has to be a political solution,” Lacroix emphasized.
A Peace Mission Under Siege
More than 8,000 peacekeepers from nearly 50 countries currently serve under UNIFIL, a mission established in 1978 to maintain stability along the لبنان–Israel border.
Now, that mission faces one of its most dangerous periods in years. As rockets and gunfire increasingly strike peacekeeping positions, a critical question looms:
Is the world inching closer to an uncontrollable regional war? (AT Network)
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