French soldier killed and three injured in attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon

A French peacekeeper has been killed and three others injured in a direct attack on United Nations forces in southern Lebanon, marking the first fatal incident involving the international contingent since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on January 16. President Emmanuel Macron identified the fallen soldier as Sergeant Major Florian Montorio, a member of the prestigious 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment based in Montauban. The attack occurred in the town of Ghanduriyé, where the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been deployed to monitor the fragile truce. Macron directly accused Hezbollah of responsibility, stating that evidence points to the Iran-backed militia as the perpetrator. France has demanded that Lebanese authorities immediately arrest those responsible and fulfill their obligations to ensure security in the region. The injured soldiers have been successfully evacuated and are receiving medical treatment. Macron expressed the nation's solidarity with the families of the affected soldiers and all French personnel committed to peace in Lebanon. The killing comes amid heightened tensions following the ceasefire agreement. Israel acknowledged conducting multiple attacks in southern Lebanon since the truce began, claiming they were necessary responses to alleged Hezbollah violations near the demarcation line. However, the timing and circumstances of the French soldier's death remain under investigation, as international leaders call for accountability and the preservation of the peace agreement.