France summons Israeli ambassador to condemn attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon

PARIS -- The French Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that it had summoned the Israeli ambassador to France to condemn the ongoing deliberate Israeli shootings against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which are considered serious violations of international law and must cease immediately.

According to a press release from the Quai d'Orsay, two UN peacekeepers were injured on Friday after a new Israeli attack on a UNIFIL watchtower in Naqoura. One of them is in critical condition.

"These attacks constitute serious violations of international law and must cease immediately," it said. "The Israeli authorities must provide an explanation."

France reiterates that the protection of peacekeepers is a shared obligation that applies to all. Each party must uphold this responsibility and allow UNIFIL to continue implementing its mandate, including respecting its freedom of movement.

France also stresses the urgency of ceasing hostilities in Lebanon and pursuing a diplomatic settlement based on the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.