Unifil Peacekeepers In Southern Lebanon On 16 April/ Image @ Reuters
A French peacekeeper has been killed and three others wounded after a United Nations patrol came under fire in southern Lebanon, which officials have described as a deliberate attack. The soldier was part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), which confirmed the death and injuries, with two of the wounded peacekeepers in serious condition.
French President Emmanuel Macron attributed the attack to Hezbollah, although the Iran-backed group denied any connection to the incident. This escalation occurs amid heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, where peacekeepers have faced increasing risks since renewed fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began on March 2.
Yesterday, Unifil announced that the deceased peacekeeper’s body would be repatriated to Paris. The two severely injured peacekeepers are currently receiving treatment in Beirut, while a third is being treated for moderate injuries in southern Lebanon.
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was implemented on April 16, with the U.S. urging Hezbollah to adhere to its terms. Macron stated, “Everything suggests that responsibility for this attack lies with Hezbollah,” demanding that Lebanese authorities arrest the perpetrators and take responsibility alongside Unifil.
France’s Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin explained that the peacekeeper was part of a mission to reopen access to a Unifil position cut off by recent fighting when they were ambushed at close range. The peacekeeper was struck by a direct shot from a small arms weapon and could not be revived despite efforts by fellow soldiers.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned the attack, noting that an initial assessment suggested the patrol came under fire from “non-state actors,” presumed to be Hezbollah. The spokesperson urged all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities.
Unifil stated that their patrol was clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghanduriyah to reconnect isolated positions. The Lebanese Armed Forces reported that the incident followed exchanges of fire with armed individuals and emphasized coordination with Unifil during this sensitive phase.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack and assured Macron that those responsible would face justice. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has also ordered an investigation into the incident.
Hezbollah responded by denying responsibility and labeling accusations as “rushed” and “baseless.” They called for caution in assigning blame pending the Lebanese army’s investigation into the full circumstances.
In late March, three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in separate incidents involving an explosion that destroyed a Unifil vehicle and a projectile strike. Unifil reminded that under international law, all parties are obligated to ensure the safety of UN personnel, asserting that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers represent grave violations of international humanitarian law and could constitute war crimes.
The peacekeeping force was established in 1978 by the UN Security Council following Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon, tasked with confirming Israeli withdrawal, restoring peace, and assisting the Lebanese government in regaining authority in the south.
Its role was expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, when Security Council Resolution 1701 enhanced its responsibilities in monitoring the ceasefire along the Blue Line, the de facto border between Lebanon and Israel, in coordination with the Lebanese army.
Over 330 personnel have lost their lives after deployment began.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong