The IDF confirmed on Sunday that Hezbollah had opened fire on UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
According to the statement, the peacekeepers were attempting to clear several unexploded munitions in the Al-Ghandouriyah area when they came under attack by a Hezbollah terrorist cell.
One peacekeeper was killed in the attack, and three others were wounded, two of them severely, the IDF said.
The military noted that Hezbollah "continues to exploit the ceasefire," and is endangering and causing harm to international forces in Lebanon.
French President Emmanuel Macron had announced on Saturday in an X/Twitter post that France holds Hezbollah responsible for the attack.
“Everything suggests that responsibility for this attack lies with Hezbollah,” said Macron. “France demands that the Lebanese authorities immediately arrest the perpetrators and take their responsibilities alongside UNIFIL.”
France identified the soldier as Sgt. First Class Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment from Montauban.
Lebanon, UN condemn Hezbollah attack
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack on Saturday in an X/Twitter post, saying such attacks cause “great harm to Lebanon.”
“I condemn the assault today on elements of the French battalion in UNIFIL,” said Salam.
“I have issued my strict instructions to conduct an immediate investigation to uncover the circumstances of this assault and to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Salam added.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack, though did not mention Hezbollah by name, stating on X/Twitter that "All actors must respect the cessation of hostilities & the ceasefire."