French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the death of French UN soldier Florian Montorio appears to be the responsibility of Hezbollah, according to reports. Macron condemned the attack on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after speaking with his Lebanese and Syrian counterparts, adding that France is working with partners to prevent regional conflict spread. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun separately condemned the attack on the French peacekeeper, vowing those responsible would be brought to justice, while also criticizing Israeli assaults that he said had reached the point of directly targeting UNIFIL.
Israel's military confirmed that its tank fire struck a UN position in southern Lebanon on March 6, injuring Ghanaian peacekeepers, in what it described as a mistaken response to anti-tank missile fire from Hezbollah. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, a UNIFIL site in the town of Qouzah in the Bint Jbeil district was struck by Israel on Friday. Israel responded to Hezbollah rocket attacks with extensive airstrikes in Lebanon that killed over 200 people, according to Lebanese authorities.
Ghana's UNIFIL battalion headquarters came under two missile attacks, according to the Ghana Armed Forces. Four Ghanaian soldiers were injured in the attack, with three sustaining minor injuries and one critically wounded, though all are now in stable condition. The critically injured soldier successfully underwent surgery and is responding well to treatment, while two other soldiers were critically injured and one was traumatized, according to different accounts. The attack caused significant damage to facilities, completely destroying the officers' mess and accommodation for 14 officers through fire, though affected officers have been re-equipped and rehoused.
Three Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in separate incidents in southern Lebanon over the weekend. Two Indonesian soldiers died from an exploding projectile of unknown origin near Adchit al-Qusayr, while another was killed in a separate explosion that destroyed a UNIFIL vehicle near Bani Hayyan. Indonesia condemned the attacks on its peacekeepers and called for a thorough investigation. India also condemned the attacks, with its Permanent Representative to the UN emphasizing the priority of peacekeeper safety.
French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin described how the French peacekeeper was ambushed by an armed group at close range, according to reports. UNIFIL said the attack on the French peacekeeper was deliberate, creating a key dispute over attribution as Macron blamed Hezbollah while the group denied responsibility. The conflicting claims about responsibility for this attack highlight ongoing tensions.
Irish peacekeepers helped evacuate wounded Ghanaian soldiers after the attack on the Ghanaian UNIFIL headquarters, according to multiple reports. UNIFIL reported that amidst heavy firing, three peacekeepers were injured inside their base in Qawzah in southern Lebanon, with the most severely injured transferred to a Beirut hospital. A Polish UN peacekeeper sustained minor injuries from a roadside device detonation during a patrol, while a UN peacekeeping base near Mais al-Jabal came under fire, sparking a blaze that wounded one peacekeeper.
International condemnations have mounted, with Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner condemning any actions endangering UN peacekeepers. Ghana protested the attack on its UNIFIL headquarters to UN headquarters in New York through its foreign ministry. Lebanese President Aoun condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon, adding they had reached direct assault on UNIFIL, while France continues diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict.
All Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon are safe and accounted for, according to reports, while 176 Austrian soldiers stationed with UNIFIL are also safe. The village of Alma al Shaab in southern Lebanon was evacuated, with 83 residents guided out by UN peacekeepers amid the escalation. A 66-year-old man named Sami Ghafari was killed in a drone strike in Alma al Shaab, illustrating the civilian impact of hostilities.
Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to multiple reports. Tens of thousands of people have been called to flee due to the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on April 16.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 to monitor hostilities along the border between Israel and Lebanon. UNIFIL is investigating the incidents, including where projectiles came from, and urging all parties to respect international laws.
The Ghanaian contingent remains resilient and committed to its peacekeeping duties, with the battalion in high spirits and morale remaining high, according to the Ghana Armed Forces. GAF expressed appreciation to the public for solidarity and support shown to troops serving abroad.
UNIFIL is scheduled to withdraw from Lebanon by the end of 2026, according to multiple reports. This timeline raises concerns about regional stability as the force that has monitored the border for decades prepares to depart amid ongoing hostilities.