The UN Security Council has condemned "in the strongest terms" an attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon that killed one and wounded three others.
The council members on Monday "reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to take all measures to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises, as well as the freedom of movement of the mission, in a manner consistent with international law, including by refraining from actions that may put peacekeepers in danger and impede the Force to carry on its mandate."
The council was referring to the peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, formally known as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Saturday's attack killed a French soldier and wounded three others serving with the force.
"Peacekeepers must never be the target of an attack," the Security Council said.
It further called for the UN to "swiftly" investigate the attack and "called for those responsible for the attack to be held accountable without delay."
Investigation underway
UNIFIL said it has 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.
Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack and expressed surprise at what it called premature accusations, saying some parties were quick to assign blame "while remaining silent during Israeli attacks on UNIFIL forces."
UNIFIL was first deployed in 1978 and has remained through successive conflicts, including 2024, during which its positions came under fire repeatedly.
