On October 11, 2024, an Israeli artillery attack wounded United Nations peacekeepers from a Sri Lankan battalion in Naqoura, southern Lebanon. This incident marks the second attack on UNIFIL personnel in just two days, following injuries to two Indonesian peacekeepers a day earlier.
Lebanon's Foreign Ministry reported that the Israeli military targeted a UN watchtower. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the assault as a 'denounced crime' and discussed ceasefire efforts with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the incident as 'intolerable,' while Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage and called for Israel to cease hostile actions against UN forces. Human Rights Watch demanded a UN inquiry, labeling the targeting of UN missions as a potential war crime.
China and India also condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for the inviolability of UN premises. The situation escalated as Israeli forces acknowledged firing in the area, claiming it was in response to Hezbollah operations near UN positions.
Global reactions included condemnation from Italy, with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stating that the incident could constitute a war crime and a serious violation of international humanitarian law. UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti confirmed the seriousness of the situation, noting that peacekeepers remain in place to provide assistance despite the risks.