UN Probe Links Israeli Fire and Hezbollah IED to Deaths of Indonesian Peacekeepers in Lebanon

A United Nations investigation has provided critical early findings regarding the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The probe indicates that the soldiers were killed in two separate incidents involving different actors: one by Israeli tank fire and another by a Hezbollah improvised explosive device (IED).

Timeline of the Attacks

The fatalities occurred within a 24-hour window in late March 2026, amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

March 29: Projectile Strike near Adchit al-Qusayr

On Sunday, March 29, a projectile exploded near a UNIFIL position in the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr. This attack killed one Indonesian peacekeeper, identified as 28-year-old Farizal Rhomadhon. Another peacekeeper was seriously injured in the blast and required hospitalization.

March 30: Convoy Explosion near Bani Haiyyan

Hours later, on Monday, March 30, a second incident occurred near the Bani Haiyyan municipality. An explosion destroyed a UNIFIL vehicle, killing two additional Indonesian peacekeepers and wounding two others, one of whom was severely injured.

Findings of the UN Investigation

According to a UN probe shared on April 7, the deaths were the result of two distinct causes:

• Israeli Forces: One incident was likely caused by Israeli tank fire.
• Hezbollah: The other incident was attributed to a Hezbollah improvised explosive device (IED).

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned these attacks, stating that targeting peacekeepers constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). The Secretary-General emphasized that such actions may amount to war crimes and called for full accountability.

International Response and Accountability

The deaths have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice:

United Nations and Security Council

The UN Security Council issued a press statement condemning the incidents. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that the UN has requested the relevant parties to ensure the cases are investigated and prosecuted by national authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Indonesian Government

The Indonesian government has urged the UN Security Council to conduct a thorough investigation into the deaths of its soldiers. While the loss of life is significant, official reports indicate that Indonesia has not yet decided on a withdrawal of the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) from UNIFIL.

Looking Forward

The UN continues to call on both Israel and Hezbollah to uphold their obligations under international law to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel. The focus now remains on criminal accountability and the implementation of Resolution 1701 to prevent further casualties among those serving the cause of peace in southern Lebanon.