logo
#

Latest news with #IsraeliDefenceForces

Tánaiste lashes out at Israeli Defence Forces 'reckless' firing on Irish troops in Lebanon
Tánaiste lashes out at Israeli Defence Forces 'reckless' firing on Irish troops in Lebanon

The Journal

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • The Journal

Tánaiste lashes out at Israeli Defence Forces 'reckless' firing on Irish troops in Lebanon

THE TÁNAISTE HAS lashed out at the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) for a 'reckless' incident in which they fired on Irish peacekeeping troops. Yesterday The Journal reported that Irish soldiers of the 126th Infantry Battalion, patrolling with Lebanese Armed Forces soldiers near the village of Yaroun, were fired on by Israeli Defence Forces soldiers. It is understood the incident lasted almost ten minutes in which up to 30 shots were fired at the Irish and Lebanese soldiers. A source said that the shots landed on either side of the patrol and were defined as 'containment' meaning they were designed to halt the patrol. It is understood the six Irish soldiers did not return fire and instead followed standard procedures withdrawing to their base at United Nations Post 2-45 or Camp Shamrock near the town of At Tiri. This afternoon, following a briefing by Chief of Staff Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy, the Tánaiste launched a sting attack on the IDF. 'Brigadier General Mulcahy provided me with a detailed briefing on the serious events that took place yesterday involving Irish Defence Force personnel in Southern Lebanon. Advertisement '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. 'Brigadier General Mulcahy has assured me that all of our troops impacted are safe and well. They have been debriefed following the incident and patrols are continuing as normal today,' he said. The Tánaiste paid tribute to the troops who are serving with UNIFIL and described the environment in south Lebanon as 'increasingly volatile and tense'. '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,' he added. HARRIS told the Dáil yesterday that the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza during a heated exchange with independent TD Catherine Connolly. Last week, Harris had said that recent comments from the Israeli government mean 'we are now very much in the space of genocidal activity' – but today's comments are the first time that he has explicitly described Israel's actions as genocide. The comment comes after Taoiseach Micheál Martin also told the Dáil that the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza . The Israeli forces have remained in South Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement – there have been a number of incidents in which they fired on UN troops in the area. 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

Five arrested over protests at Gal Gadot's London film set
Five arrested over protests at Gal Gadot's London film set

Metro

time5 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Metro

Five arrested over protests at Gal Gadot's London film set

Five protesters have been arrested after they allegedly targeted the filming of Gal Gadot's new movie in central London. Demonstrators have disrupted filming at various locations across London in recent weeks, the Metropolitan Police said. The force said the film was targeted 'solely because an actress involved in the production is Israeli'. The 40-year-old, who has been vocal in her support of Israel, is currently be filming thriller The Runner, and was seen in action on London's central canals earlier this month, when a protest halted production. Police were deployed to a filming location in Westminster on Wednesday to identify suspects wanted in connection with offences at earlier protests and to deal with any new offences, Scotland Yard said. Five people were arrested for harassment and offences under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, which deals with wrongfully and unlawfully obstructing access to a workplace. They remain in custody. Two of the arrests relate to incidents at previous protests while three relate to offences that took place on Wednesday, the force said. Superintendent Neil Holyoak said: 'While we absolutely acknowledge the importance of peaceful protest, we have a duty to intervene where it crosses the line into serious disruption or criminality. 'We have been in discussions with the production company to understand the impact of the protests on their work and on any individuals involved. 'I hope today's operation shows we will not tolerate the harassment of or unlawful interference with those trying to go about their legitimate professional work in London.' More Trending On May 1 police were pictured in a commotion on Camden Road, just above the canal where filming was taking place. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Gadot – who stars in the film alongside Damien Lewis – was escorted off set and replaced by a body double as activists waved flags, banged drums and shouted 'stop bombing Palestine' through a megaphone, it was reported at the time. The actor, who previously served in the Israeli Defence Forces, has previously voiced her support for Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, leading to heated criticism. This comes after the Disney revamp of Snow White, released in March, faced boycott calls with pro-Palestine groups protesting against the Wonder Woman star's casting in the film as the Evil Queen. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.

‘Israeli strikes endangered us more': Freed hostage says Israel doesn't grasp their ordeal
‘Israeli strikes endangered us more': Freed hostage says Israel doesn't grasp their ordeal

Mint

time26-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Mint

‘Israeli strikes endangered us more': Freed hostage says Israel doesn't grasp their ordeal

A former Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldier, recently freed from Hamas captivity under a ceasefire-hostage deal that lasted for nearly two months, delivered a heartbreaking account of her ordeal. She said it was Israel's own relentless airstrikes that put her life in the greatest danger. Naama Levy said Israel has 'no idea' what its hostages truly endure – alone, terrified, and caught in the crossfire of its military campaign. During a weekly rally in Tel Aviv, Naama Levy said, 'At first you hear the whistles, you pray that it won't fall on us, and then – the explosions, a noise so loud that it paralyzes the body, and the ground shakes.' 'Every time, I was sure that this was the end of me. It was one of the scariest things I experienced there and that's also what endangered me more than anything. She said once the house she was held captive in partially collapsed due to the Israeli strike. 'That was my reality. It's their reality now.' She said, 'There are hostages who hear those whistles and explosions, they're there trembling with fear. They have nowhere to run, only to pray and cling to the walls with a terrible feeling of helplessness.' Earlier, she had also urged President Donald Trump to secure the release of all remaining captives. 'Mr President, you achieve what many thought was impossible. You led the deal that brought 38 hostages, including me, home. We, the survivors, know you are a decisive and irreplaceable force saving lives... but the work is not yet done,' she said. Naama Levy, whose violent capture during the unprecedented Hamas attack in 2023 was broadcast live, described being treated 'not as a human being, but as a trophy' while in captivity.

Gaza doctor's family amongst 79 killed in airstrikes
Gaza doctor's family amongst 79 killed in airstrikes

Libyan Express

time25-05-2025

  • Health
  • Libyan Express

Gaza doctor's family amongst 79 killed in airstrikes

Israeli blockade continues as Gaza death toll reaches 53,901 Palestinian health authorities in Gaza announced on Saturday that 79 bodies had been brought to medical facilities following Israeli military operations conducted over the previous day. The figure does not include potential casualties from Gaza's northern region, where medical infrastructure has become inaccessible due to ongoing conflict. The fatalities include a devastating personal tragedy for one medical professional. Dr Alaa Najjar, who works as a paediatrician at Nasser Hospital, lost nine of her ten children when their home was struck on Friday evening in Khan Younis, situated in Gaza's southern area. Dr Ahmad al-Farra, who heads the paediatric unit at Nasser Hospital, reported that Dr Najjar was working her hospital shift when the attack occurred. Upon returning home, she discovered her house engulfed in flames. Her husband sustained serious injuries, whilst her sole surviving child—an 11-year-old boy—remains in critical condition. The children who died were aged between seven months and 12 years. Health Ministry spokesman Khalil al-Dokran told the Associated Press that two young victims are still trapped beneath rubble. Israeli military officials have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this particular incident. However, the Israeli Defence Forces announced earlier on Saturday that their air operations had targeted over 100 locations throughout Gaza during the same timeframe. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, these recent deaths bring the conflict's total death toll to 53,901 since the violence began on 7th October 2023. The ministry stated that 3,747 Palestinians have died since Israel recommenced major operations on 18th March, part of an effort to compel Hamas to agree to modified ceasefire conditions. Israel's strategy has included implementing a comprehensive blockade affecting Gaza's population of more than 2 million residents since early March. This week marked the first time since the blockade's implementation that a small number of humanitarian supply lorries entered the territory. However, these deliveries represent a dramatic reduction from the approximately 600 daily lorry shipments that occurred during previous ceasefire periods. International food security specialists have issued famine warnings, whilst photographs showing desperate Palestinians competing for meals at dwindling charitable feeding centres have prompted Israel's international partners to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to permit increased humanitarian access. Netanyahu's government has presented a new American-backed system for aid delivery and distribution, though United Nations officials and partner organisations have declined participation, arguing it would weaponise food assistance and breach humanitarian standards. Recent correspondence obtained by the Associated Press suggests Israel may be reconsidering its position to allow humanitarian organisations continued oversight of non-food relief efforts. Whilst Israel maintains that Hamas has diverted aid supplies, UN representatives and humanitarian groups dispute claims of substantial diversion. The 7th October assault on southern Israeli communities resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, with Hamas taking 251 individuals as hostages. Israel's subsequent military response has severely damaged much of Gaza, with the Health Ministry reporting that women and children comprise the majority of Palestinian casualties. Israeli officials state they will continue with military operations until Hamas releases all 58 remaining Israeli hostages and surrenders its weapons. Hamas leadership has indicated they will only return the remaining hostages in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoner releases, a permanent ceasefire, and complete Israeli military withdrawal from the territory. Netanyahu has dismissed these conditions and pledged to maintain Israeli oversight of Gaza whilst supporting what he describes as voluntary Palestinian population relocation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store