U.N. says intense IDF activity in UNIFIL area; six peacekeepers killed since March 2

The United Nations on Friday reported intensive Israeli Defense Forces activity across the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) area of operations, saying the mission recorded 350 firing incidents attributed to the IDF and 25 attributed to Hezbollah.

The U.N. spokesperson told reporters that six UNIFIL peacekeepers have been killed in hostilities in southern Lebanon since March 2, with several more wounded. At a UNIFIL ceremony marking the International Day of the Peacekeeper, the head of UNIFIL, General Jodato Abanyara, emphasized that a political and diplomatic path remains the only viable solution and said UNIFIL remains committed to restoring conditions for a permanent ceasefire.

The spokesperson also described access problems: a UNIFIL convoy carrying an injured peacekeeper was stopped by the IDF and delayed for about an hour before it could proceed, and the U.N. reiterated that "all parties have to ensure that UNIFIL has unrestricted access and freedom of movement in the conduct of its activities mandated by the Security Council."

Why it matters: restricted movement for peacekeepers and reported fatalities heighten operational risk for U.N. personnel and may constrain monitoring and humanitarian support in southern Lebanon.

The U.N. also noted that strikes have affected critical roads (including a route in Marjayun), undermining medical evacuations and deliveries of aid, and said it and partners continue to provide assistance where possible.