Aoun, Macron discuss ceasefire as Lebanon probes attack on UN peacekeepers

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron about the latest developments, including the ceasefire announcement and preparations to launch negotiations under Aoun's initiative.

Aoun thanked France for its continued support to Lebanon across multiple sectors, as well as for assistance aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Lebanese people.

During the call, Aoun also offered condolences to Macron over the death of a French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), who was killed and others wounded while on duty in the southern town of Ghandouriyeh after coming under fire from armed individuals.

The Lebanese president strongly condemned the attack on the French contingent, praising the role of international peacekeepers in maintaining stability in South Lebanon and wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.

Aoun reiterated Lebanon's firm rejection of any targeting of UNIFIL forces, stressing the state's commitment to ensuring their safety and enabling them to carry out their mandate.

He added that he had instructed relevant authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice, emphasizing that Lebanon will not tolerate any assault on international forces operating on its territory.