00:01This morning, two Indonesian peacekeepers lost their lives in an explosion that hit
00:06the UNIFIL logistic convoy, destroying their vehicle near Bani Haiyan in sector east.
00:14Two more peacekeepers were injured, one seriously.
00:17The origin of the explosion has not been determined.
00:21Yesterday, a peacekeeper of the Indonesian contingent was killed in an explosion inside
00:26the UNIFIL base in Et Taib, also in sector east.
00:30Another peacekeeper was critically wounded and was evacuated to a hospital in Beirut.
00:35We strongly condemn these unacceptable incidents, and peacekeepers must never be a target.
00:41UNIFIL is investigating these incidents to determine the circumstances of these tragic developments.
00:47We also remain seriously concerned about several aggressive behaviours incident against UNIFIL peacekeepers
00:53in the past couple of days.
00:55What we have seen clearly is an increased presence of the IDF, together with the strikes,
01:06of course, in different parts of Lebanon.
01:09Now, you know, it's difficult for me to speculate on the final intent, because I cannot speak on
01:20behalf of the Israeli authorities on behalf of the IDF, certainly.
01:24I wouldn't pretend to do this, but based on what we're seeing, as well as several statements emanating from the
01:33Israeli authorities,
01:35and also the orders for evacuation of civilians, it certainly looks like we might end up with, I would call
01:48it an expanded buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
01:53This is a security council mandated operation.
01:57We have a duty to stay.
01:59Of course, the ability to operate is constrained today, but the mandate remains, and also the perspective of ultimately reaching
02:10a political solution,
02:11which is the only way in which we believe, the Secretary General has repeated that time and again, and more
02:19recently in Lebanon.
02:20That's the only way in which a durable, sustainable solution can be found for Lebanon and the region.
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