French woman killed after explosion in southern Lebanon, France says

Smoke rises from the area following an Israeli army attack on the town of Khiam, located in the Nabatieh province of southern Lebanon, on September 25, 2024. [Stringer – Anadolu Agency]

An 87-year-old French woman was killed after “a strong explosion” in the south of Lebanon, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday, Reuters reports.

“The building in which our countrywoman lived collapsed after a strong explosion that occurred nearby,” the Ministry said, adding that it was not aware of any other French victims of the conflict.

Israeli warplanes have bombarded Lebanon, with strikes killing hundreds. Israel has rejected a proposal from the United States, France and other allies who have called for a halt in the fighting amid concerns that the clashes could lead to a wider regional war.

About 20,000 French citizens are registered with the Foreign Affairs Ministry as living in Lebanon, a country that was once colonised by France and that retains strong links with Paris.

READ: US, France, and global coalition call for 21-day ceasefire on Israel-Lebanon border

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