French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed the death of a French peacekeeper who was injured in an attack in Lebanon. President Macron has held the Iran-backed group Hezbollah responsible for the assault, while this incident occurred just two days into a 10-day ceasefire mediated by the United States between Israel and Hezbollah, further escalating tensions in the region. The President has demanded that the Lebanese government arrest the perpetrators immediately.
President Macron Demands Accountability from Lebanon
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, President Macron identified the deceased as Chief Sergeant Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment, based in Montauban. He was killed during an attack in southern Lebanon. Macron noted that three of Montorio's colleagues were also injured and have since been evacuated. The President stated that all indications point toward Hezbollah's responsibility for the attack. He urged the Lebanese government to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure the immediate arrest of those involved.
UNIFIL Investigates Potential War Crime in Ghandouriyeh
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement explaining that the peacekeepers were on a mission near the village of Ghandouriyeh. Their task involved clearing explosives from the road and restoring contact with isolated positions. During this operation, they came under fire from small arms. One peacekeeper succumbed to his injuries, while two others remain in serious condition, while the UN mission stated that this attack could be classified as a war crime and announced that an investigation has been launched.
French Defense Ministry Details and Hezbollah's Denial
The French Ministry of Defense also confirmed that the attack took place in the Ghandouriyeh area. The soldiers were engaged in a road-opening operation, as several bridges and access routes had been damaged by recent Israeli strikes. French troops play a vital role within UNIFIL, maintaining peace in southern Lebanon, while however, Hezbollah has denied the allegations. The group stated that it has no connection to the attack and described the accusations made by France as baseless.