United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has denounced killing of a French peacekeeper and wounding of three others in southern Lebanon on Saturday, during an attack by suspected Hizbullah militants.
The peacekeepers, serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), were investigating reports of improvised explosive devices along a road between two UN positions when they came under fire from non-State actors, according to an initial UNIFIL assessment.
Two of the injured peacekeepers are in serious condition.
Guterres expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased and to the French government and its people. He wished a swift recovery to the injured.
The attack marks the third fatal incident involving UNIFIL peacekeepers in recent weeks and comes despite a 10-day ceasefire announced on April 16.
The Secretary-General called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and cease hostilities immediately.
“Attacks on peacekeepers must stop. They are grave violations of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and may amount to war crimes,” Guterres said.
The UN chief urged all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, protect UN personnel and property, and ensure freedom of movement for UNIFIL.
He called for swift investigations into the attack and for those responsible to be prosecuted and held accountable.
UNIFIL operates in southern Lebanon to monitor the cessation of hostilities and maintain stability in the region.
Guterres underscored the critical role of peacekeepers and reiterated the importance of their safety and security.
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