France summons the Israeli ambassador over shootings at UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

France has summoned the Israeli ambassador after Israeli troops reportedly opened fire on UN peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon, including the main base of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura, the French Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

Incident triggers diplomatic reaction

The incident came as tensions rose in the region. Israeli forces reportedly attacked three UNIFIL positions, prompting immediate condemnation from France. “These attacks represent serious violations of international law and must be stopped immediately,” the French foreign ministry said, emphasizing the importance of protecting peacekeepers in conflict zones.

France, which has about 700 soldiers involved in the UNIFIL mission, confirmed that none of its soldiers were injured in the attack.

The Israeli military said it is conducting a review following the accidental injury of two UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, according to a statement released by the Israeli army on Friday. The review comes after peacekeepers were accidentally injured during ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Since last week, both sides have been carrying out targeted military operations near the Israel-Lebanese border.

UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, warned of serious risks to its peacekeepers after two peacekeepers were injured near the Israeli border. The injured peacekeepers, who were Sri Lankan soldiers, were injured when an Israeli tank fired a shell near a UN observation tower in Naqura on Friday. The UN mission confirmed that several blast walls were damaged at their positions near Labbouneh in the incidents.

UNIFIL criticizes Israeli military actions

UNIFIL reported that an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bulldozer knocked down barriers at a UN position near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, while IDF tanks advanced near the site. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, which injured two Indonesian U.N. peacekeepers, calling it a violation of international law. Guterres urged restraint to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

Global reactions call for peace

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed concern, saying he was “appalled” by reports of Israeli forces firing on peacekeepers and stressing the importance of protecting civilians and UN personnel. Starmer reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to end the violence.

Human Rights Watch called on the UN to open an investigation into the Israeli military’s actions against peacekeepers. This call comes amid growing international concerns about the safety of UN personnel in southern Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the incidents, stressed the importance of protecting peacekeepers and called for maximum restraint from all sides.

Lebanon’s humanitarian response

The Lebanese Red Cross played a crucial role in responding to the attacks, sending ambulances and volunteers to help the injured. Gabriel Karlsson of the British Red Cross praised their efforts and stressed the importance of humanitarian support amid escalating violence in the region.

UN peacekeepers face “serious risks”.

UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, warned of serious risks to its peacekeepers after two peacekeepers were injured near the Israeli border. The injured peacekeepers, who were Sri Lankan soldiers, were injured in explosions near a UN observation tower in Naqura on Friday.

The UN mission confirmed that several blast walls were damaged at their positions near Labbouneh in the incidents.