France condemns attacks on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon

France has condemned attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and has called on the conflicting parties to resume ceasefire operations, said the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Sunday, 15 March, UNIFIL command stated that its forces were attacked, allegedly by armed groups without government affiliation, in three separate incidents whilst on patrol in areas near Yater, Deir Kifa, and Qallawiyah.

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks on the peacekeeping forces.

“France strongly condemns the multiple shootings that occurred against UNIFIL troops yesterday. These attacks from non-state armed groups are unacceptable,” the ministry stated in a statement on Monday.

France called on all parties to exercise restraint, resume the ceasefire established on 26 November 2024 and comply with Security Council Resolution 1701. The ministry added that the Lebanese Hezbollah movement must disarm, and Israel must halt its ground operations in Lebanon.

In early March, rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement claimed responsibility for the attacks. The Israeli military responded with large-scale strikes in densely populated areas across Lebanon, including Beirut. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have begun leaving their homes, seeking shelter in areas considered safer within Lebanese territory.