A French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been killed in southern Lebanon, while three others were injured in what officials describe as a targeted attack. The incident occurred in the village of Ghandouriyeh, just days after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect.
According to UNIFIL, two of the wounded peacekeepers are in serious condition. Early assessments suggest the attack was carried out by non-state actors, with suspicion falling on Hezbollah. The mission described the incident as a “deliberate attack” and confirmed that an investigation is underway.
French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the assault during conversations with Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Macron called the attack unacceptable and urged Lebanese authorities to take immediate action against those responsible.
Hezbollah has denied any involvement, stating it has no connection to the incident and warning against premature accusations.
France’s Armed Forces Minister, Catherine Vautrin, said the peacekeeping patrol was ambushed while attempting to reopen access to an isolated UN position. The soldier was reportedly killed by direct small-arms fire.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Al Jazeera
Lebanon’s army has condemned the attack and launched its own investigation. National leaders have expressed condolences and pledged accountability.
The incident comes at a sensitive time, with regional tensions still high. Lebanon was drawn deeper into conflict earlier this year after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel following the killing of Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive that caused widespread casualties and displacement.
UNIFIL, first deployed in 1978, has long operated along the volatile Israel-Lebanon border. In recent months, its personnel have faced increasing danger. Just last month, two peacekeepers were killed in a separate explosion in southern Lebanon.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly urged all sides to respect international law and ensure the safety of peacekeeping forces, warning that such attacks threaten both stability and humanitarian efforts in the region.
