France on Wednesday “strongly condemned” the Israeli attack against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), stressing that the protection of peacekeepers must be ensured.
Paris “reiterates that the protection of peacekeepers, as well as the safety of United Nations personnel, property, and premises, must be guaranteed in accordance with international law and Resolution 1701.”
“UNIFIL must be able to fully implement its mandate and exercise its freedom of movement,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
UNIFIL has earlier condemned a drone attack that endangered peacekeepers clearing roadblocks near the Blue Line on Tuesday morning.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by UNIFIL, Israeli drones dropped four grenades close to UN personnel working to remove obstacles hindering access to a UN position southeast of the village of Marwahin.
One grenade landed within 20 meters of UN peacekeepers and vehicles, while three others landed within approximately 100 meters. The drones were later observed returning south of the Blue Line, UNIFIL said.
The peacekeeping mission stressed that the Israeli army had been notified in advance of its road clearance work. Following the incident, operations were suspended out of concern for the safety of the peacekeepers.
UNIFIL described the attack as “one of the most serious” against its personnel and assets since the cessation of hostilities agreement last November.
“Any actions endangering UN peacekeepers and assets and interfering with their mandated tasks are unacceptable and a serious violation of Resolution 1701 and international law,” the mission warned. It added that the responsibility lies with the Israeli army to ensure the security of UN forces carrying out Security Council-mandated operations.
UNIFIL statement on attack on peacekeepers clearing roadblocks:
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) September 3, 2025
Yesterday morning, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drones dropped four grenades close to UNIFIL peacekeepers working to clear roadblocks hindering access to a UN position close to the Blue Line.
Al-Hadath reported that the UN force confirmed it is maintaining contact with Israel to ensure the safety of its personnel deployed in southern Lebanon.
“We will continue to carry out our duties in accordance with Security Council Resolutions,” the mission emphasized, underlining the importance of all parties in the area respecting its forces.
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