Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the attack targeting the French battalion within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the death of one soldier and injuries to three others. The UAE affirmed that targeting peacekeepers constitutes a clear violation of the principles of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the UAE’s solidarity with the countries contributing troops to UNIFIL, offering its condolences to the French Republic and its people, and to the family of the deceased soldier. It also expressed its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
The UAE urged the Lebanese government to uphold its responsibilities in protecting UNIFIL forces and to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident. It also stressed the need to ensure that such attacks do not recur and to take the necessary legal measures against those involved.
The UAE reiterated its support for the Lebanese government at this juncture, emphasizing the importance of the state having a monopoly on the use of force. It further affirmed that dismantling armed groups is a fundamental step towards strengthening security and stability in the country.
