The Defence Forces have confirmed that “Irish personnel are safe and accounted for” after attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says it was targeted in “three separate incidents”. Four Ghanaian peacekeepers were injured. Three of them had to be hospitalised.
A UNIFIL patrol composed of French peacekeepers also came under fire. No injuries were reported.
The French government condemned the attacks which it said were “likely perpetrated by Hezbollah”.
“While several patrols have suffered this type of incident in recent weeks, France reiterates that it is imperative that UNIFIL be able to exercise its freedom of movement so that it can fully implement its mandate.”
The Irish Defence Forces currently have 340 personnel in Lebanon. IDF have previously described the situation for Irish peacekeepers as a “tense, volatile and unpredictable environment.”
In a statement published yesterday and sent to newsireland.eu this lunchtime, the Irish Defence Forces says:
“Following the most recent reports coming from Lebanon, the Defence Forces can confirm all Irish personnel are safe and accounted for.
All necessary force protection measures continue to be observed. We extend our thoughts to our UN colleagues in these areas as they continue to operate in this challenging environment.”
Ireland has called for an immediate ceasefire in south Lebanon.
US envoy, Amos Hochstein, said yesterday that a ceasefire deal in Lebanon is “within our grasp”.