Paris, December 27 (QNA) - France condemned Saturday the injury of one of the peacekeeping soldiers belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), who was shot by the Israeli occupation army in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said France condemns the gunfire carried out Friday by the Israeli army near UNIFIL patrols, calling on Israel to respect the declared cease-fire of Nov. 26, 2024, which is binding on all parties.

The statement underscored the urgent necessity to halt such violations and to comply with UNSC Resolution 1701, stressing that the protection of peacekeeping forces and ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel, their properties, and facilities is an obligation incumbent upon all parties under international law.

On Friday, UNIFIL announced that its patrols came under Israeli fire in southern Lebanon, resulting in minor injuries to one of its soldiers, and called on the Israeli forces to cease belligerent behavior.

In recent months, repeated incidents have targeted UNIFIL forces with gunfire and shelling near their positions and patrols in southern Lebanon, causing multiple injuries.

This incident occurs in the broader context of Israel continuing to breach the cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah, which came into effect in November 2024 after the offensive launched on Lebanon in October 2023, escalating in September 2024 into an all-out war.

UNSC Resolution 1701 was issued on Aug. 11, 2006, to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon after 34 days of Israeli aggression, including provisions to maintain security, stability, and a halt to hostilities. (QNA)