France on Saturday accused Hezbollah of being behind a deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon after a French soldier was killed and three others wounded in what the UN described as a “deliberate attack.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said that “everything points to Hezbollah being responsible,” calling on Lebanese authorities to immediately arrest those involved and ensure the security of UNIFIL forces.
A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded after a UN patrol came under fire in southern Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said, warning the incident could constitute a war crime.
UNIFIL stated that an “initial assessment indicates that actors affiliated with Hezbollah were behind the attack on our forces.”
The attack took place in the village of Ghanduriyah, near Bint Jbeil, as a UNIFIL explosive ordnance disposal team was clearing munitions to reconnect isolated positions following recent hostilities.
According to UNIFIL, the patrol was targeted with small-arms fire by “non-state actors.” One peacekeeper later died of his wounds, while three others were injured, two of them seriously. The wounded were evacuated to medical facilities for treatment.
In a statement, UNIFIL strongly condemned the incident, stressing that peacekeepers were engaged in mandated operations at the time.
“Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701 and may amount to war crimes,” the mission said, calling on Lebanese authorities to launch a swift investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
The force emphasized that its demining operations are critical in stabilizing southern Lebanon, particularly in the aftermath of recent fighting.
Lebanese leadership condemns attack
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the targeting of UN peacekeepers, reaffirming Lebanon’s commitment to ensuring the safety of international forces.
During a phone call with Macron, Aoun expressed condolences over the death of the French soldier and said Lebanese authorities had been instructed to launch an immediate investigation and pursue those responsible.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also denounced the attack, warning it could harm Lebanon’s relations with international partners, and confirmed that a prompt investigation had been ordered.
The Lebanese Army said the incident followed an exchange of gunfire between the UN patrol and armed individuals in the area.
In a statement, the army condemned the attack and said it is coordinating closely with UNIFIL during what it described as a “delicate phase,” adding that an investigation is underway.
Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri condemned the attack on a patrol of the French unit operating for United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in southern Lebanon. He praised the sacrifices that UNIFIL forces have made over decades, especially the French unit, and extended his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and to the families of his comrades, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.
The attack comes amid ongoing ceasefire efforts and diplomatic preparations following weeks of conflict.
UNIFIL reiterated that all parties are obligated under international law to ensure the safety of UN personnel, warning that such violations risk further destabilizing an already fragile situation in southern Lebanon.
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