Tinetti: The Source of Gunfire Near al-Qouzah is Unknown

The official spokesperson for "UNIFIL," Andrea Tinetti, confirmed in a statement that "shortly after midnight last night, peacekeeping troops at a UNIFIL site near the town of al-Qouzah reported hearing gunfire nearby." He added: "One peacekeeper was injured by a bullet and underwent surgery; he is now recovering and in stable condition." Tinetti noted that "the source of the gunfire is currently unknown, and we have opened an investigation." He stated that "any targeting near UNIFIL locations, and any use of our sites to launch attacks across the Blue Line, for any reason, is unacceptable." Tinetti reminded the parties "of their obligations to protect peacekeepers and avoid endangering the men and women working to restore stability." He continued that "attacks against civilians or UN personnel are violations of international law that may amount to war crimes." He concluded: "We continue to urge all parties involved to cease fire to ensure the safety not only of peacekeepers but also of all people living near the Blue Line."