Clashes between residents of the southern village of Kfar Kila and a patrol of French soldiers occurred Thursday when the French peacekeepers tried to gain access to residential areas, which aroused the anger of the residents. The latter denounced the inaction of UNIFIL during the three months of clashes on the border between Lebanon and Israel since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7.
The incident was resolved following “communication with the concerned parties,” and no injuries were reported.
Earlier Thursday the UN peacekeeping force had denounced an attack that targeted one of its patrols in Taybeh on Wednesday night that left one peacekeeper hurt.
“Attacks on men and women serving the cause of peace are not only condemnable, but they are violations of Resolution 1701 and Lebanese law,” UNIFIL said in a statement.
The statement pointed out that “a group of young men attacked a patrol on Wednesday night and a peacekeeper was hurt. A vehicle was also damaged.”
“Peacekeepers’ freedom of movement is vital as we work to restore security and stability along the Blue Line,” the statement added.
UNIFIL called on “the Lebanese authorities to undertake a full and swift investigation, and for all perpetrators to be brought to justice.”
The statement assured that “our peacekeepers remain on task, and we will continue our essential monitoring and de-escalation work.”
