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France Condemns Israel Over Attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly condemned Israel for serious incidents against French UNIFIL personnel in Lebanon, calling the acts unacceptable. The condemnation follows attacks that killed Indonesian peacekeepers and wounded several others, prompting France to request an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Barrot called on all parties to respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and ensure the safety of UN personnel. Cross-border fighting has escalated along the Lebanon-Israel border since early March, with Hezbollah rocket attacks triggering intensified Israeli airstrikes.

Key Points: France Condemns Israel for Attacks on UN Peacekeepers

  • France condemns Israeli attacks on UNIFIL
  • Indonesian peacekeepers killed in shelling
  • Emergency UN Security Council meeting requested
  • Calls for respect of UN Resolution 1701
  • Cross-border fighting intensifies in Lebanon
2 min read

French FM condemns Israel over recent attack at UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

French FM Jean-Noel Barrot condemns Israeli attacks on UNIFIL, calls for UN Security Council meeting after peacekeepers killed.

"unacceptable and unjustifiable - French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot"

Paris, March 31

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly condemned Israel over what he called "serious incidents" against the French contingent serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in the Naqoura area.

These violations of security and acts of intimidation by Israeli soldiers against UN personnel are "unacceptable and unjustifiable," especially since deconfliction procedures are followed, Barrot said on social platform X, adding that France has conveyed its strong condemnation to the Israeli ambassador in Paris.

Barrot also condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the shootings that killed an Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeeper and wounded three others on Sunday, as well as an explosion that killed two Indonesian peacekeepers and injured two more on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Following the extremely serious incidents suffered by UNIFIL peacekeepers, I have requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council," he said.

Barrot also called on all parties to respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and to ensure that the safety of UN personnel is respected and guaranteed, noting that UNIFIL must be able to fully implement its mandate and exercise its full freedom of movement.

Though UNIFIL hasn't pointed to Israel as the exact "origin of the projectile," saying that an investigation had been launched into the attacks, Lebanon's National News Agency and local media reports said that Israeli artillery shelling targeted the headquarters of the Indonesian unit serving with UNIFIL on Sunday.

On Monday, Indonesia confirmed the UNIFIL casualties and also reiterated its condemnation of Israel's military actions in southern Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday strongly condemned the incident, describing the attacks as grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701.

Cross-border fighting has continued along the Lebanon-Israel border since March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire agreed on November 27, 2024, triggering intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon.

- IANS

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P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the Indonesian peacekeepers and their families. Such a tragic loss. The UN Security Council must act decisively. The world cannot keep watching such violations. Respect for international peacekeeping forces is non-negotiable.
R
Rohit P
While the condemnation is necessary, where is the action? Resolutions and statements are not enough. There must be concrete consequences for targeting neutral personnel. The cycle of violence in the Middle East is heartbreaking for everyone.
S
Sarah B
As an observer from India, I see a dangerous pattern. When peacekeepers are not safe, it signals a complete breakdown of rules of engagement. This undermines the entire UN system. Hope the investigation is swift and transparent.
V
Vikram M
France is right to call for the Security Council meeting. But let's be honest, the UNSC has been largely ineffective in stopping this conflict. Permanent members with veto power often protect their allies, not peace. The system needs reform.
K
Karthik V
A very sad situation. Indonesia is a fellow Global South nation, and we feel their pain. India has also contributed immensely to UN peacekeeping. The safety of these brave men and women must be the top priority. No justification for this attack.
M
Michael C
Reading this from Delhi. The

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