The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack perpetrated against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 18 April, following which one peacekeeper from France died and three others were injured, two of them seriously.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and the relatives of the victims, and its solidarity with France. They also expressed condolences to the United Nations. They wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. They paid tribute to the dedication and service of all United Nations peacekeepers who risk their lives in service of international peace and security and expressed their deep appreciation to UNIFIL’s troop-contributing countries.
They reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL and urged all parties to take all measures to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises, as well as the freedom of movement of the mission, in a manner consistent with international law, including by refraining from actions that may put peacekeepers in danger and impede the Force to carry on its mandate. They recalled that peacekeepers must never be the target of an attack.
They called on the UN to swiftly investigate this attack through UNIFIL and keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of the progress consistent with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021). They called for those responsible for the attack to be held accountable without delay.
They called on the international community to intensify its support, including equipment, material and finance, to the LAF in order to ensure their effective and sustainable deployment south of the Litani River and to enhance their capacities to implement resolution 1701 (2006).
They called on parties to fully implement the United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and comply with the April 16 cessation of hostilities. The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Lebanon.