Austrian Citizens Injured in Israeli Rocket Attack on UN Peacekeeping Force

Eight Austrian citizens serving in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force in Lebanon were injured in a rocket attack by Israel, according to Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

Schallenberg expressed outrage over the attack on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), emphasizing the importance of guaranteeing the safety of UN peacekeepers.

“The safety of the blue helmets must always be guaranteed. Attacks on UN peacekeepers are a serious violation of international law and completely unacceptable,” he stated.

UNIFIL operates in southern Lebanon, between the Litani River and the Blue Line, which serves as the border with Israel. The force is mandated under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to maintain security in the region.

Israel launched a major air campaign in Lebanon last month, targeting what it claims are Hezbollah targets. This escalation follows a year-long cross-border war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which began after Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip.

Israel expanded the conflict this year by launching raids into southern Lebanon on October 1.