Irish troops will remain in place in Lebanon, the Defence Forces has confirmed.
No troops have been directly affected by the recent attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces on Unifil bases, including one on Friday in which an IDF caterpillar hit the perimeter of a base and “IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position”.
A statement released by the Defence Forces confirmed that “all necessary force protection measures are being diligently observed to ensure their safety”.
It said that Defence Forces personnel are resolute in their commitment to the peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon indicating that there is no immediate plan to pull troops out of the region.
“Our troops serve as crucial observers and facilitators of humanitarian aid, contributing significantly to international efforts aimed at restoring peace and security,” it said on Friday afternoon.
“The ongoing co-operation with UNIFIL highlights the importance of maintaining a presence in this volatile region, especially as hostilities continue between Israel and Hezbollah.”
Unifil confirmed that two peacekeepers were injured in two explosions which occurred close to an observation tower when the Naqoura headquarters was affected by explosions for the second time within 48 hours.
The two soldiers are being treated in separate hospitals for their injuries.
In a statement on Friday, Unifil said that “several T-walls” at the UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh fell when an IDF caterpillar hit the perimeter and “IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position”.
It said that peacekeepers held their position and a Unifil Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the area.
This incident and the incident on Thursday put UN peacekeepers at very serious risk, Unifil said, adding that the soldiers are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the UN security council under resolution 1701.
“This is a serious development, and Unifil reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times,” it said.
“Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).”
