France demands explanations over Israel peacekeepr shooting
By AFP
October 11, 2024 12:28 AM
France expects "explanations" from Israel after UN peacekeepers in Lebanon said Israeli fire on their headquarters wounded two staff, the French foreign ministry said Thursday.
"We expect explanations from the Israeli authorities," the ministry said in a statement. "The protection of UN peacekeepers is an obligation for all parties in a conflict."
France "condemns any infringement of the safety of UNIFIL,", the ministry added.
France, which has had a military presence in Lebanon since 1978, contributes about 700 troops to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), according to the French defence ministry.
No French soldiers were hurt in Thursday's incident, the foreign ministry said, also reiterating the French government's position "that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire is needed in Lebanon".
The UN mission said that Israeli fire had hit its headquarters and accused Israel of "repeatedly" hitting its positions.