SABACIREBON – The Indonesian government expresses its deepest condolences to French for the deaths of peacekeeping personnel during the mission United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) due to attacks that occurred in southern Lebanon on April 18, 2026.
Through an official statement delivered Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of IndonesiaIndonesia considers that this incident cannot be justified, especially since it occurred in the middle of the ongoing ceasefire period.
The Indonesian government emphasizes the importance of all parties to exercise restraint, respect state sovereignty, and uphold international law, including humanitarian law. Violation of the ceasefire agreement is considered to have the potential to worsen the escalation of the conflict and threaten the safety of personnel in the field.
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Indonesia has also highlighted the increasing attacks on UNIFIL troops in recent times. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, peacekeeping personnel should not be targeted under any circumstances, and such actions could potentially constitute war crimes.
As a form of solidarity, Indonesia expressed support to France and other countries that contributed to the peacekeeping mission.
Indonesia’s commitment to protecting peacekeepers is also confirmed through support for strengthening the UN personnel security system, as reflected in the international joint statement regarding peacekeeper safety delivered in early April 2026.
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Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that one of his country’s soldiers was killed and three others were injured in an attack targeting UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon. He urged the Lebanese authorities to immediately investigate and arrest those responsible.
Indonesia itself is also feeling the impact of the deteriorating security situation in the region. At the end of March 2026, three UNIFIL personnel from Indonesia were reported dead, while eight other soldiers were injured while carrying out their duties.
The Indonesian government has also requested UN Security Council to conduct a thorough investigation into a series of attacks targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon.***
