A French peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has been killed in southern Lebanon after his team came under fire from what the mission described as non state actors. The peacekeeping force condemned the attack as deliberate and warned that attacks on its personnel could constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law.

The Lebanese Armed Forces said the incident occurred following exchanges of fire with armed individuals and noted that it was closely co ordinating with the peacekeeping mission during what it called a sensitive phase in the region. President Joseph Aoun condemned the killing and told French President Emmanuel Macron that those responsible would be brought to justice, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ordered an investigation.

Hezbollah denied responsibility, calling the accusations rushed and baseless, and urged caution until the Lebanese army completes its investigation. The group also called for continued co ordination between the peacekeeping force and the Lebanese army.

The mission, established in 1978 by the United Nations Security Council after Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon, has seen more than 330 peacekeepers killed. Its mandate was expanded following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah to monitor the ceasefire along the Blue Line in co ordination with Lebanese authorities.