Latest news with #InternationalUNPeacekeepers'Day
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Government lodges formal démarche over Israeli soldiers firing at Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon
The so-called démarche states Ireland considers the incident in the village of Yaroun as 'completely unacceptable in terms of the safety of peacekeepers and the execution of their mandated duties.' The formal démarche has been served on the Israeli Government via the UN. 'These concerns are held at the highest levels' of the Irish Government and the Defence Forces, it reads. No soldiers were injured and the incident was condemned by Government. The incident took place days after Israeli soldiers fired shots towards a group of diplomats, which included Irish officials. 'It's clear to me that the actions of the IDF were reckless, intimidatory, totally unacceptable and a clear breach of the international rules surrounding peacekeeping,' Tánaiste Simon Harris said earlier this week. 'I want to pay tribute to our personnel deployed with UNIFIL, who are operating in an increasingly volatile and tense environment.' He was briefed yesterday on the incident by the new Chief of Staff Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy. The incident happened on International UN Peacekeepers' Day. The 126th Infantry Battalion deployed to Lebanon this month as part of the Unifil mission. It is made up of 298 Irish soldiers and 10 from Malta, with over a third of personnel on their first overseas mission.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Simon Harris to lodge formal letter of objection with Israel over ‘reckless' shots fired into area with Irish peacekeepers
The Minister for Foreign Affairs said the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) fired shots into an area where a joint Irish-Lebanese unit were conducting peacekeeping duties on Thursday. The Irish Defence Forces confirmed none of its members were injured. 'It's clear to me that the actions of the IDF were reckless, intimidatory, totally unacceptable and a clear breach of the international rules surrounding peacekeeping,' Mr Harris said. 'I want to pay tribute to our personnel deployed with Unifil who are operating in an increasingly volatile and tense environment. 'My officials in the Department of Defence will today formally lodge a protest letter over what happened yesterday and this will be communicated directly with Israel.' Irish peacekeepers had to withdraw from a patrol in Lebanon yesterday after coming under fire from Israeli soldiers. Mr Harris described the incident as 'deeply worrying'. The military said small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of Irish peacekeepers as they patrolled near the Blue Line, a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. It is understood the incident happened at around midday yesterday, close to the village of Yaroun in southern Lebanon. The Irish personnel were recently deployed to Lebanon as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion who serve with the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (Unifil). Mr Harris said the incident illustrates the dangers Defence Forces personnel face as they strive to maintain peace in the region. 'While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying,' he said.'Today's incident illustrates the dangers our peacekeepers face every single day while on a patrol in a region that has been increasingly unstable and volatile.' The incident happened on International UN Peacekeepers' Day as the Tánaiste announced the renewal of Ireland's Unifil mandate for 12 more months. 'Ireland is proud to have been part of the Unifil mission since 1978 – 30,000 personnel have served there to date,' he said. 'We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in southern Lebanon.' The 126th Infantry Battalion deployed to Lebanon this month as part of the Unifil mission. It is made up of 298 Irish soldiers and 10 from Malta, with over a third of personnel on their first overseas mission. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin doubled down on President Michael D Higgins's assertion that there is a concerted Israeli campaign to damage Ireland because of this country's leadership on Gaza. There was also an attempt to smear the President for speaking out, he said. There has been propaganda against Ireland, in claims that we support Hamas – which is utter nonsense 'I think there's no question but that Israel has engineered a campaign against Ireland because of the stance we have taken at the United Nations, at the European Union and at the International Court of Justice, where we've legally intervened in the South African case [against Israel],' Mr Martin said. 'It's not that individual companies are raising it with us, but we are hearing back from our embassies and elsewhere that people are raising it.' Earlier in the same venue, Mr Higgins said there was a 'slander' and 'propaganda' campaign against Ireland internationally by Israel, which involved labelling critics of the Benjamin Netanyahu government as 'antisemitic'. Mr Higgins said he and others who have spoken out against the Israeli army's actions had been subjected to a 'propaganda campaign in Ireland'. The Taoiseach said he had discussed the matter with the President and agreed with him. 'There has been propaganda against Ireland, in claims that we support Hamas – which is utter nonsense,' he said. 'People have been contacted ahead of Irish embassy events and are then turning up at various receptions asking 'What's happening in Ireland?' and so forth.' There was also a cyber campaign against Ireland, the Taoiseach suggested. 'We've condemned Hamas consistently, from day one, for the slaughter of October 7, and consistently called for the release of all hostages, yet you'll see online a lot of attempts to smear Ireland,' he said. 'I think the President has been subject to some of that as well. I find that regrettable, because he's been a very consistent supporter of Holocaust Day and remembrance. Some of his best friends in life were people who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.' Mr Higgins is 'a very fair-minded person, but because he took a stance on Gaza there was an unwelcome focus on him as well, which was partisan and not fair or balanced'. The Irish people are sickened by the barbarity and scale of what is happening to the Palestinian people, the Taoiseach said. There was 'absolute, total, barbaric destruction of Gaza'. 'When you see nine children of a doctor killed in one house, people are horrified at that and feel helpless. I can understand why,' he added. Mr Martin said Ireland now had 'to focus our attention on Europe to work on getting the [EU-Israel] trade agreement suspended until this war stops, at a minimum'.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Irish peacekeepers fired on by Israeli troops in Lebanon as Taoiseach Micheál Martin decries ‘engineered campaign' against Ireland
Tánaiste Simon Harris described the incident as 'deeply worrying'. The Irish Defence Forces confirmed none of its members were injured. The military said small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of Irish peacekeepers as they patrolled near the Blue Line, a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. It is understood the incident happened at around midday yesterday, close to the village of Yaroun in southern Lebanon. The Irish personnel were recently deployed to Lebanon as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion who serve with the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (Unifil). Mr Harris said the incident illustrates the dangers Defence Forces personnel face as they strive to maintain peace in the region. 'While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying,' he said.'Today's incident illustrates the dangers our peacekeepers face every single day while on a patrol in a region that has been increasingly unstable and volatile.' The incident happened on International UN Peacekeepers' Day as the Tánaiste announced the renewal of Ireland's Unifil mandate for 12 more months. 'Ireland is proud to have been part of the Unifil mission since 1978 – 30,000 personnel have served there to date,' he said. 'We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in southern Lebanon.' The 126th Infantry Battalion deployed to Lebanon this month as part of the Unifil mission. It is made up of 298 Irish soldiers and 10 from Malta, with over a third of personnel on their first overseas mission. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin doubled down on President Michael D Higgins's assertion that there is a concerted Israeli campaign to damage Ireland because of this country's leadership on Gaza. There was also an attempt to smear the President for speaking out, he said. There has been propaganda against Ireland, in claims that we support Hamas – which is utter nonsense 'I think there's no question but that Israel has engineered a campaign against Ireland because of the stance we have taken at the United Nations, at the European Union and at the International Court of Justice, where we've legally intervened in the South African case [against Israel],' Mr Martin said. 'It's not that individual companies are raising it with us, but we are hearing back from our embassies and elsewhere that people are raising it.' Earlier in the same venue, Mr Higgins said there was a 'slander' and 'propaganda' campaign against Ireland internationally by Israel, which involved labelling critics of the Benjamin Netanyahu government as 'antisemitic'. Mr Higgins said he and others who have spoken out against the Israeli army's actions had been subjected to a 'propaganda campaign in Ireland'. The Taoiseach said he had discussed the matter with the President and agreed with him. 'There has been propaganda against Ireland, in claims that we support Hamas – which is utter nonsense,' he said. 'People have been contacted ahead of Irish embassy events and are then turning up at various receptions asking 'What's happening in Ireland?' and so forth.' There was also a cyber campaign against Ireland, the Taoiseach suggested. 'We've condemned Hamas consistently, from day one, for the slaughter of October 7, and consistently called for the release of all hostages, yet you'll see online a lot of attempts to smear Ireland,' he said. 'I think the President has been subject to some of that as well. I find that regrettable, because he's been a very consistent supporter of Holocaust Day and remembrance. Some of his best friends in life were people who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.' Mr Higgins is 'a very fair-minded person, but because he took a stance on Gaza there was an unwelcome focus on him as well, which was partisan and not fair or balanced'. The Irish people are sickened by the barbarity and scale of what is happening to the Palestinian people, the Taoiseach said. There was 'absolute, total, barbaric destruction of Gaza'. 'When you see nine children of a doctor killed in one house, people are horrified at that and feel helpless. I can understand why,' he added. Mr Martin said Ireland now had 'to focus our attention on Europe to work on getting the [EU-Israel] trade agreement suspended until this war stops, at a minimum'.
The Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon fired at by Israeli troops while on patrol
IRISH PEACEKEEPERS In Lebanon have come under fire from Israeli forces near a bombed out village at Yaroun. The incident happened at around midday as the Irish soldiers of the 126th Infantry Battalion were patrolling with soldiers from the Lebanese Armed Forces. Sources have said that there were so-called 'containing shots' fired at either side of the patrol to halt them. The shots, our sources tell us, came from an Israeli position. A statement from the Defence Forces confirmed the incident and that it happened along the demarcation fence known as the Blue Line. 'The Defence Forces can confirm that they have received reports of an incident this morning involving a joint Irish UNIFIL & Lebanese Armed Forces Patrol near the Blue Line in South Lebanon. 'A number of small arm rounds were fired in the vicinity of the area in which the Patrol was operating. The patrol withdrew from the area, there was no injuries to the personnel on the patrol and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from,' the statement read. Advertisement The Defence Forces said all Irish soldiers are safe and no one was injured. 'All Personnel of the Irish Contingent in Lebanon are reported to be safe and well, they continue to monitor the situation in Southern Lebanon and are committed the stability of the region as impartial peacekeepers. We wish to remind all actors of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers,' the statement added. Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, also issued a statement 'I want to firstly send my best wishes to the Irish Defence Forces personnel affected in today's incident. While am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying. 'Today's incident illustrates the dangers that our peacekeepers face every single day while on a patrol in a region that has been increasingly unstable and volatile,' he said. Harris added that the event happened on International UN Peacekeepers' Day as the Tánaiste announced the renewal of Ireland's UNIFIL Mandate for a further 12 months. 'Ireland is proud to have been part of the UNIFIL Mission since 1978 with 30,000 personnel have served there to date. 'We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in Southern Lebanon,' he added. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Irish peacekeepers ‘safe' after withdrawal from patrol in South Lebanon when they came under fire from Israeli army
The Tánaiste Simon Harris has described the incident as 'deeply worrying' with the Defence Forces confirming that no troops were injured. The military has said that small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of Irish peacekeepers as they patrolled near the Blue Line, a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. Mr Harris, who is also the Defence Minister, has been briefed on the incident in which Irish soldiers were fired at by an IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) patrol. It's understood it took place at around midday close to the village of Yaroun in Southern Lebanon. None of the Irish personnel – who were recently deployed to UNIFIL as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion – were injured in the incident. In a statement, the Tánaiste said it illustrates the dangers that Defence Forces personnel face as they continue to maintain peace in the region. 'I want to firstly send my best wishes to the Irish Defence Forces personnel affected in today's incident. While am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying,' Mr Harris said. 'Today's incident illustrates the dangers that our peacekeepers face every single day while on a patrol in a region that has been increasingly unstable and volatile.' The Defence Forces confirmed that they have 'received reports of an incident this morning involving a joint Irish UNIFIL & Lebanese Armed Forces Patrol near the Blue Line in South Lebanon. 'A number of small arm rounds were fired in the vicinity of the area in which the Patrol was operating. The patrol withdrew from the area, there was no injuries to the personnel on the patrol and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from. ADVERTISEMENT 'All Personnel of the Irish Contingent in Lebanon are reported to be safe and well, they continue to monitor the situation in Southern Lebanon and are committed the stability of the region as impartial peacekeepers. 'We wish to remind all actors of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN Peacekeepers.' The incident took place on International UN Peacekeepers' Day as the Tánaiste announced the renewal of Ireland's UNIFIL Mandate for a further 12 months. 'Ireland is proud to have been part of the UNIFIL Mission since 1978 with 30,000 personnel have served there to date. 'We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in Southern Lebanon.' The 126th Infantry Battalion deployed to the Middle Eastern country this month as part of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (Unifil) mission. It is made up of 298 Irish soldiers as well as 10 troops from the Armed Forces of Malta, with over a third of personnel deploying on their first overseas mission. In January four Lebanese, including a soldier, were injured after the Israeli army opened fire on army personnel and civilians on the Yaroun-Maroun al-Ras Road.
