A French soldier has been killed and three others wounded after an attack on United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, raising new concerns about the stability of a fragile ceasefire in the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death following the assault on troops serving with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon near the village of Ghandouriyeh. The attack involved small-arms fire targeting a patrol operating in the المنطقة.
Macron identified the fallen soldier as Staff Sgt. Florian Montorio, stating that two of the wounded peacekeepers were in serious condition. French officials described the incident as an ambush carried out at close range while troops were attempting to reopen access to an isolated UNIFIL position.
The French leader suggested that Hezbollah was likely responsible for the нападение, calling on Lebanese authorities to immediately identify and prosecute those behind it. “The nation bows in respect,” Macron said, pledging support to the families of the affected soldiers.
The attack comes just days after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, following weeks of intense fighting that left thousands dead and more than a million people displaced across Lebanon.
UNIFIL said its patrol had been clearing explosive hazards and restoring access routes when it came under fire from unidentified вооруженные actors. One peacekeeper later died from injuries, while others were evacuated for treatment.
Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemned the attack and ordered an immediate investigation. The Lebanese military said it is coordinating closely with UNIFIL to track down those responsible.
The incident underscores the precarious nature of the ceasefire, with questions lingering over whether all parties will fully adhere to the truce. Macron reiterated the need for strict respect of the agreement, emphasizing France’s continued commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional stability.