RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has urged restraint and respect for international law after a deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, expressing solidarity with France following casualties among its personnel.

The Indonesian government conveyed deep condolences and sympathy to the government and people of France over the death of French peacekeepers and injuries to others in an incident targeting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The attack, occurred during a 10-day ceasefire agreement, was described by Indonesia as unacceptable. “All parties must exercise restraint, respect national sovereignty, and uphold international law,” the government said in a statement as quoted on the Ministry Foreign Affairs official website on Sunday, April 19.

Indonesia stressed that the ongoing negotiations and ceasefire must be fully respected and not undermined by acts of violence that risk escalating tensions and endangering personnel on the ground.

The government also reiterated concern over repeated attacks on UNIFIL, emphasizing that peacekeeping forces must never be targeted. “Peacekeepers must not become targets of attack; such actions may be considered war crimes,” the statement said.

Indonesia further expressed solidarity with France and other troop-contributing countries, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening the protection of UN personnel, as reflected in the Joint Statement on the Safety and Security of UN Personnel issued on April 9, 2026.

A tragic attack targeted UNIFIL personnel near Ghanduriyah in southern Lebanon on April 18, 2026. A French peacekeeper, Sergeant Major Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment, was killed, while three of his comrades sustained injuries, two of them seriously.

The unit had been clearing explosives to secure access routes for UN positions when they came under fire from non-state actors.

The incident drew swift international condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep sorrow and pointed to Hezbollah as the likely perpetrator, though the group denied involvement.

UNIFIL described the assailants as “non-state actors,” underscoring the volatile security environment in the region.

Indonesia, among other nations contributing troops to UNIFIL, conveyed condolences and solidarity with France, reaffirming the importance of protecting peacekeepers and upholding international law. ***