Lebanon's PM pledges to bring UN peacekeeping convoy assailants to justice

CAIRO – 15 February 2025: Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has vehemently condemned the criminal attack on a UN peacekeeping force affiliated to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday.

He pledged to bring to justice those responsible for the attack.

During a phone call with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, Nawaf said he had directed the Lebanese interior minister to take immediate action to identify the assailants, arrest them, and refer them to the judicial body.

According to a statement from UNIFIL, the outgoing Deputy Force Commander, who was en route home after completing his mission, sustained injuries in the assault. The attack has been condemned as a serious violation of international law, with UNIFIL stressing that such actions could amount to war crimes.

“We are shocked by this outrageous attack on peacekeepers who have been serving to restore security and stability to south Lebanon during a difficult time,” the statement read.

UNIFIL has called on Lebanese authorities to conduct a full and immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Despite the attack, the peacekeeping force affirmed its commitment to continuing its mission in south Lebanon under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.