Israeli gunfire injures UN peacekeeper in south Lebanon: UNIFIL

Israeli gunfire near United Nations peacekeeping patrols along the "Blue Line" border slightly injured one peacekeeper on Friday, this according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).



In a statement, UNIFIL said heavy machine-gun fire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions south of the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon struck near a patrol inspecting a roadblock in the village of Bastarra.



The fire followed a grenade explosion in the area.



While no UN equipment was damaged, one peacekeeper sustained a minor ear concussion.



In a separate incident occurred the same day in Kfarchouba, where another patrol on routine operations came under "close-range" machine-gun fire from the Israeli side.



UNIFIL emphasized that the IDF had been notified of both patrols' movements in advance, in accordance with established coordination procedures.



UNIFIL sites and facilities have previously been targeted during clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, causing injuries.