UN Security Council condemns Lebanon peacekeeper attack that killed 1

The United Nations Security Council issued a strong condemnation on Monday following an attack on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon that left one dead and three wounded. The council members “reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL” and urged all parties to respect the safety and security of UN personnel and premises, as well as the mission’s freedom of movement in accordance with international law. Saturday’s attack killed a French soldier serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and injured three others.

Investigation and accountability

“Peacekeepers must never be the target of an attack,” the Security Council stated. The body called for a swift investigation by the UN and demanded that “those responsible for the attack be held accountable without delay.” UNIFIL has already launched an investigation after one of its positions “came under small-arms fire from non-state actors” in the southern village of Ghanduriyah on Saturday. The peacekeeping mission has been operating in southern Lebanon since 1978, monitoring hostilities along the Blue Line border with Israel.

Hezbollah denial

Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the attack and expressed surprise at what it called premature accusations. The group said some parties were quick to assign blame “while remaining silent during Israeli attacks on UNIFIL forces.”