A French peacekeeper serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon was killed and three others injured after their patrol came under attack in southern Lebanon on Saturday, officials said.
The soldiers were part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and were conducting an operation in the village of Ghandouriyeh when they came under small-arms fire.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death and condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable,” while calling on Lebanese authorities to take action against those responsible.
According to officials, the patrol was engaged in clearing explosive ordnance and restoring access to isolated UN positions when it was targeted. Three other peacekeepers were wounded in the incident, with at least two reported to be seriously injured.
Initial assessments by French and UN officials suggest the attack may have been carried out by Hezbollah-linked elements, although the group has denied involvement and called for an investigation into the incident.
The attack occurred just days after a fragile 10-day ceasefire came into effect between Israel and Lebanon, raising concerns about the stability of the truce and the safety of international peacekeeping forces operating in the region.
Lebanese authorities, including the president and prime minister, have condemned the incident and said investigations are underway to identify those responsible.
The United Nations has also called for accountability, emphasizing that attacks on peacekeepers violate international law and undermine ongoing efforts to maintain stability in southern Lebanon.
The latest incident adds to a series of recent attacks and security challenges faced by UNIFIL personnel amid escalating tensions in the region. [KNT]
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