A mortar shell struck close to a Polish military UNIFIL convoy in the Middle East on Saturday, highlighting the tenuous nature of a recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
An armoured vehicle of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) drives next to a destroyed house in the village of Blida, near the border with northern Israel, southern Lebanon, 8 December, 2025. The UN Security Council in August voted unanimously to extend for a final time the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 December 2026, after which will PAP/EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
Operating under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, the Polish contingent escaped without casualties, though three vehicles suffered light damage, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said.
The explosion occurred during a routine convoy movement between bases. In response, the military introduced heightened safety precautions and temporarily halted convoy operations, adding that the situation remains under close observation in coordination with UN command and allied forces.
No group has been identified as responsible.
The incident comes in the wake of a US-brokered truce intended to halt weeks of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The latest round of fighting erupted in early March, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli forces to carry out what they described as targeted ground operations against the group’s positions in southern Lebanon.
French peacekeeper killed
In the same update, the Polish military honoured a French soldier killed earlier that day when a UN patrol came under fire in the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Staff Sergeant Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment had died in the attack, attributing responsibility to Hezbollah—an allegation the group has denied. Three other peacekeepers were reported injured.
UNIFIL has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon since 1978, overseeing security along the border area with Israel. The mission includes roughly 10,000 troops. Poland contributes up to 250 personnel, with about 140 currently deployed.
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Source: PAP
Radio Poland