UN Peacekeeper Injured as Protesters Attack Convoy Near Beirut Airport

Lebanese authorities vow accountability after protesters, reportedly Hezbollah supporters, torch UN vehicle during airport blockade over Iranian flight restrictions.

• The outgoing UNIFIL deputy commander, Major-General Chok Bahadur Dhakal, was injured when protesters attacked his convoy and set a UN vehicle on fire near Beirut airport.
• Protests were sparked by Lebanon's decision to bar Iranian planes from landing in Beirut, following allegations by Israel that Iran was using civilian flights to smuggle funds to Hezbollah.
• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack, with promises to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent further unrest.
• The Lebanese army and judiciary have launched investigations, with the military pledging firm action against those responsible for vandalism and violence during the protests.
• The United Nations called the attack a violation of international law, potentially constituting war crimes, and demanded unrestricted movement for UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon.

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