The government expressed concern after casualties occurred in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as Israel and the Iran-aligned militant faction Hezbollah maintain a fragile cease-fire.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement under the name of its Spokesperson on the 19th, "We express deep concern over the casualties resulting from an attack on French troops belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) yesterday, and we condemn all acts that threaten UNIFIL's safety." It added, "Our government recalls that attacks on UNIFIL are violations of international humanitarian law and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, and urges full compliance with these obligations under any circumstances."
On the 18th (local time), a French contingent assigned to UNIFIL came under fire, leaving one dead and three wounded. France identified Hezbollah as responsible for the attack, and Hezbollah denied it.
Although a 10-day cease-fire began at 12 a.m. on the 17th, Lebanon time, between Hezbollah, which operates out of Lebanon, and Israel, both sides are warning they could resume attacks if the other violates the truce.
UNIFIL was established to conduct peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and has about 10,000 personnel from more than 50 countries, and Korea has participated by deploying the Dongmyeong Unit since 2007.