BEIRUT - The United Nations on Wednesday issued a statement condemning an Israeli drone attack on its peacekeepers in southern Lebanon a day earlier, calling it one of the most serious incidents targeting its personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement reached last November.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drones dropped four grenades Tuesday morning near peacekeepers under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The peacekeepers were clearing roadblocks blocking access to a UN position close to the Blue Line, a border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel established by the UN in 2000.

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One grenade landed within 20 meters of UN personnel and vehicles, while three others fell within about 100 meters. The drones were later seen returning to areas south of the Blue Line, the statement said, adding that the IDF had been informed in advance of UNIFIL's road clearance work in the area.

The road clearance work was suspended following the incident due to concerns for the safety of peacekeepers. Any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets or interfering with their mandated tasks are unacceptable and constitute a serious violation of Resolution 1701 and international law, according to the statement.

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The IDF bears responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers carrying out Security Council-mandated duties, it said.

The Security Council on Aug 28 extended UNIFIL's mandate for the final time before its withdrawal. Resolution 2790, which was unanimously adopted by the 15-member council, extends the mandate until Dec 31, 2026, before a drawdown and withdrawal within one year. It also calls on Israel to withdraw its forces north of the Blue Line and to lift the designated buffer zones north of the line.