A French UN peacekeeper was killed and three others injured in an attack in southern Lebanon on Saturday, an incident that has prompted investigations and international condemnation. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said its troops were clearing explosive ordnance near Chanterdouiyeh, approximately 3.5 kilometers south of the Litani River, when they came under small-arms fire from unidentified non-state actors.

The peacekeeper who died has been identified as Chief Sergeant Florian Montorio of the French 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment. Two of the wounded were reported to be in serious condition. UNIFIL confirmed it had launched an inquiry into the incident, stating that its preliminary assessment pointed to Hezbollah as the likely perpetrator. The UN force called on all parties to abide by international law to ensure the safety of peacekeepers, noting that deliberate attacks on them violate humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, potentially constituting war crimes.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and solidarity with the soldier’s family and France’s military personnel deployed in Lebanon. He indicated that all evidence pointed to Hezbollah’s responsibility and called on Lebanese authorities to promptly arrest those responsible and collaborate with UNIFIL to uphold security.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on members of UNIFIL’s French battalion. He said he had ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances and bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Military Tribunal has reportedly opened its own investigation and is coordinating with the army’s intelligence units to identify those behind the attack.

Hezbollah denied any involvement in the shooting, issuing a statement on Friday rejecting the accusations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attributed the assault to Hezbollah militants, characterizing them as terrorists who threatened Israeli forces operating near the border. In response, the IDF said it conducted artillery strikes against what it described as terrorist infrastructure used to facilitate attacks, including an underground facility in southern Lebanon. The army reported that it targeted Hezbollah operatives entering that site, confirming a successful hit.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killing, marking it as the third fatal incident involving UN peacekeepers in recent weeks. He reiterated calls for respect of the cease-fire agreement and the protection of those serving in peacekeeping roles.

The incident has heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, underscoring ongoing challenges for UNIFIL’s mission in maintaining stability in the region. Both Lebanese authorities and international actors are closely monitoring the investigations as they seek accountability and efforts to prevent further violence.