UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly denounced an attack that resulted in the death of a French peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and left three others wounded. The attack, considered a violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), was condemned for its potential as a war crime, as stated by Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
Guterres emphasized the importance of all parties adhering to international law, ensuring the safety of UN personnel, protecting UN assets, and respecting UNIFIL’s operational freedom. The statement called for thorough investigations into all peacekeeper attacks, with a demand for the prosecution and accountability of those responsible.
The incident, involving an attack on peacekeepers by presumed Hezbollah members while investigating suspected explosive devices, marked the third deadly event in recent weeks despite a declared 10-day ceasefire. The Secretary-General extended condolences to the deceased peacekeeper’s family, friends, colleagues, and the French Republic, while also wishing a swift recovery to the injured peacekeepers.
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, initiated following an announcement by US President Donald Trump, encountered a breach as the Israel Defense Forces engaged militants near the “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon. Additionally, reports emerged of Israeli military construction near Kfarchouba village in southern Lebanon’s border area.
