Lebanon peacekeeper deaths 'possible war crimes'

Smoke rises from Israeli artillery shelling on the village of Qlaileh, as it is seen from the city of Tyre, south Lebanon, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

The deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon in 24 hours could constitute war crimes, the UN's peacekeeping force in the country has said.

UNIFIL said that two Indonesian peacekeepers on its mission in south Lebanon were killed “when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan”.

The UNIFIL statement added: “A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and a fourth was also hurt. This is the second fatal incident in the last 24 hours. We reiterate that no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace.

"We extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those brave peacekeepers who gave their lives in service of peace. Our thoughts and hopes for a full and fast recovery are also with the injured. We have launched an investigation to determine what happened.” 

UNIFIL said it reiterates the “urgent need for all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times, including avoiding any actions that may put peacekeepers in danger”.

It said that such attacks on peacekeepers could constitute war crimes, saying: “Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may constitute war crimes.”

It added: “The human cost of this conflict is far too high. The violence, as we have said before, must end.” 

In condemning the attacks on the Indonesian personnel attached to UNIFIL, defence and foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said: “These incidents represent a deeply concerning further escalation and have resulted in the deaths of three peacekeepers and serious injuries to others. My thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues, and I wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.” 

She said that soldiers serving under the UN flag “do so in pursuit of peace and stability”.

She described the two attacks in the past 24 hours as “an attack on the very principles of peace, cooperation and international solidarity”.

She said she is in daily contact with the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Force, adding that all Irish soldiers on the UNIFIL mission are safe and accounted for.

Calling for an end to the violence in the Middle East, she said: “There is no military solution to this conflict.”