A French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed and three others wounded in an attack in southern Lebanon, officials said, marking a serious escalation just days after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect.
The incident occurred in the village of Ghandouriyeh, where UNIFIL said the peacekeepers were targeted during an operation, with two of the wounded reported in serious condition.
Initial assessments by UNIFIL indicated the fire came from non-state actors, allegedly Hezbollah, prompting an investigation into what was described as “a deliberate attack.”
French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said the patrol had been ambushed while attempting to open a route to a UNIFIL position that had been cut off by fighting in the area.
The soldier was killed by direct small-arms fire, she said, while the other personnel sustained injuries during the assault.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “unacceptable attack” in calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
Hezbollah denied involvement, stating, “We deny any connection to us with the incident that occurred with UNIFIL forces in the Ghandouriyeh area in Bint Jbeil.”
Lebanon’s army also condemned the shooting and confirmed that an investigation had been launched, with senior officials ordering an immediate probe into the incident.
The attack comes amid a fragile 10-day ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon, as regional tensions remain high following months of conflict.
The truce, announced on April 16, aims to facilitate broader negotiations, though uncertainty persists over compliance by armed groups not directly involved in its terms.
Separately, the Israeli military said it had killed members of a group it described as a “terrorist cell” approaching its forces in southern Lebanon, citing self-defense measures not restricted by the ceasefire.
UNIFIL, deployed since 1978, has faced increasing risk in recent months, including prior attacks that have drawn international condemnation.
The latest incident underscores ongoing risks to peacekeepers as diplomatic efforts continue under strained and volatile conditions.