UNIFIL peacekeeper from France dies in Lebanon amid ongoing conflict

A French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been killed, and three others were wounded in an attack on Saturday. The incident occurred in the village of Ghandouriyeh in southern Lebanon.

According to UNIFIL, initial assessments suggest that the attack was likely carried out by Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group aligned with Iran. An investigation into the incident has been launched, which is being led by French officials.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, stating that the evidence points to Hezbollah’s involvement. He also urged the Lebanese government to take action against those responsible. Hezbollah denied any connection to the incident and called for caution in issuing judgments regarding the incident.

The attack occurred while a patrol was on a mission to open a route to a UNIFIL post that had been isolated by fighting in the area. The French soldier was killed by direct small-arms fire, according to French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin.

Lebanon’s army has condemned the shooting and launched an investigation into the incident. President Joseph Aoun has offered condolences and ordered an immediate probe, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also condemned the attack.

The incident comes just days after Israel and Lebanon announced a 10-day ceasefire. The deadly incidents are part of a broader conflict that began in early March, following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people.

UNIFIL was first deployed to Lebanon in 1978 and has remained through successive conflicts, including the 2024 war. World leaders have condemned the escalating violence and attacks on peacekeepers.

Source: Al Jazeera