French Peacekeeper Killed in Southern Lebanon Attack

Beirut. A French peacekeeper has been killed and three others injured in an attack on a United Nations patrol team in southern Lebanon. Officials have stated that the attack was deliberate. 

The United Nations peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, confirmed the incident, stating that one soldier died and three were injured, two of them seriously, after being fired upon with small arms. French President Emmanuel Macron has held Hezbollah responsible for the attack. However, the Iran-backed group has denied any involvement in the incident.

This incident occurred amidst rising tensions in southern Lebanon, where conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has reignited since March 2. Although a 10-day ceasefire was implemented on April 16, the situation remains sensitive. According to French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, the soldier was attacked at close range while attempting to restore access to a blocked UNIFIL post. He was shot directly, and despite rescue attempts by his colleagues, he could not be saved.

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the incident, stating that preliminary findings suggest the attack was carried out by a "non-state actor." Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the incident and stated that the perpetrators would face legal action. Additionally, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has ordered an investigation.