All of Ireland’s peacekeeping troops in Lebanon are ‘safe and accounted for’ after Israel reportedly opened fire on three UN positions in the country.
It comes after a UN source told Reuters that three UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) came under Israeli fire this morning.
The source was not able to specify the type of fire; however, they suggested one of the locations was UNIFIL’s main base a Naqoura.
Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members
The Defence Forces can confirm all IRISH pers are safe and accounted for. All necessary force protection measures are being observed.
The Defence Forces can also confirm that…
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) October 10, 2024
In a statement this afternoon, the Irish Defence Forces confirmed that all Irish personnel are safe and accounted for”.
They also noted that no Irish position had come under fire.
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin confirmed that Ireland’s troops were safe and well.
'It illustrates the need for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and the IDF'
Micheál Martin responds to reports of Israeli troops firing at UNIFIL positions in Lebanon pic.twitter.com/W5D1IgCLXv
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) October 10, 2024
He said the attacks “illustrate the very high-risk environment and the dangerous environment that peacekeepers are now operating within and the need for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and the IDF and Israel.”
“That has to happen immediately.”
I have been briefed on the situation in Southern Lebanon. All Irish troops are accounted for and continue to do their duties with distinction. Any firing in the vicinity of UNIFIL troops or facilities is reckless and must stop.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 10, 2024
In a tweet from the US, the Taoiseach said Ireland’s troops would “continue to do their duties with distinction”.
“I have been briefed on the situation in Southern Lebanon,” Simon Harris said.
“All Irish troops are accounted for and continue to do their duties with distinction. Any firing in the vicinity of UNIFIL troops or facilities is reckless and must stop.”
Mr Harris said he is "deeply concerned" by reports that Israeli Defence Forces have fired at UNIFIL positions at its headquarters in Naquora.
He said members of the Irish Defence Forces serving with UNIFIL "were not involved and remain well".
"I am being briefed regularly on the safety of our members of the Defence Forces in Lebanon, and will remain in close contact with the UN Secretary General," he said.
"Their safety remains paramount."
The Taoiseach reiterated a call on all sides for an immediate ceasefire and provide security to civilian populations in Israel and Lebanon.
