Secretary-General Saddened by Death of Second French Peacekeeper in Lebanon Attack, Calls for Prompt Investigation and Accountability
Summary
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement expressing deep condolences following the death of a second French peacekeeper serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon, who succumbed to injuries from an attack on 18 April. Peacekeepers came under fire while investigating suspected improvised explosive devices in southern Lebanon, with non-State actors presumed to be Hizbullah responsible. The Secretary-General called for prompt investigation and effective prosecution of those responsible, stating that attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and may amount to war crimes.
“Attacks on peacekeepers must stop. They are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and may amount to war crimes.”
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What changed
The UN Secretary-General issued a statement following the death of a second French peacekeeper serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon. The attack on 18 April killed one peacekeeper and injured three others. Peacekeepers came under fire from non-State actors presumed to be Hizbullah while investigating suspected improvised explosive devices.
Government agencies involved in peacekeeping operations and international humanitarian law enforcement should note the Secretary-General's explicit characterization of attacks on peacekeepers as 'grave violations of international humanitarian law' and potential war crimes. All actors are called upon to uphold their obligations under international law, ensure safety of UN personnel, and respect the inviolability of UN property. The Secretary-General welcomed the Lebanese authorities' stated commitment to investigate the 18 April incident and urged all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities announced on 16 April.
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Apr 24, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Press Release
- Secretary-General
- Statements and Messages
SG/SM/23099
22 April 2026
Secretary-General Saddened by Death of Second French Peacekeeper in Lebanon Attack, Calls for ‘Prompt’ Investigation, Accountability
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General is saddened to learn that a second French peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has died following the attack on 18 April in which one other peacekeeper was killed and three were injured. Peacekeepers came under fire from non-State actors, presumed to be Hizbullah, while investigating the suspected presence of improvised explosive devices in the UNIFIL area of operations in southern Lebanon.
The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the peacekeeper who died, and to the Government and people of the French Republic. He wishes a full and fast recovery to the injured peacekeepers.
This was one of several incidents in recent weeks to have resulted in the deaths and serious injury of peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL. The Secretary-General again calls on all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and the inviolability of UN property and assets at all times.
Attacks on peacekeepers must stop. They are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and may amount to war crimes.
All attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable. In this regard, the Secretary-General welcomes the stated commitment of the Lebanese authorities with respect to the incident on 18 April.
The Secretary-General again urges all actors to respect the cessation of hostilities announced on 16 April. The United Nations is committed to supporting diplomatic efforts towards an extension of the cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
The Secretary-General extends his deepest appreciation to all the women and men serving with UNIFIL. He underscores the importance of their safety and security and UNIFIL’s freedom of movement.
Lebanon Peacekeeping
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