France condemns the firing of rockets – probably by Hezbollah – which hit two positions of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon on 19 November. Four Ghanaian Blue Helmets were injured, three of whom had to be hospitalized. Several Blue Helmets had already been injured in recent weeks.
A UNIFIL patrol made up of French Blue Helmets was also hit by rocket fire on the same day, without any injuries. With several patrols having suffered these types of incident in the past few weeks, France recalls that it is essential for UNIFIL to be able to exercise its freedom of movement in order to fully implement its mandate.
The Blue Helmets' protection and the safety and security of United Nations staff, assets and premises must be guaranteed. At this especially difficult time, we pay tribute to the courage, professionalism and ongoing commitment of UNIFIL's personnel.
France calls for an immediate ceasefire and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 by all the parties, the only path enabling Israeli and Lebanese displaced persons to return home in full safety.