Latest news with #LebaneseArmedForces
The Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Ireland issues formal rebuke of Israel via UN after troops came under fire in Lebanon
IRELAND HAS ISSUED a formal rebuke of Israel after its troops fired in the direction of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon this week. The Irish troops, who are stationed in Lebanon on a UNIFIL peacekeeping mission and were on patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces, were fired upon by Israeli troops on Thursday. No-one was injured in the incident. On the direction of Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris, a formal 'demarche' has been served on the Israeli Government via the UN, the Department of Foreign Affairs said today. The demarche states that Ireland considers the incident in the Lebanese village of Yaroun 'completely unacceptable in terms of the safety of peacekeepers and the execution of their mandated duties'. 'These concerns are held at the highest levels' of the Irish government and the Defence Forces, the rebuke added. Advertisement The Tánaiste, who described the incident as 'reckless, intimidatory, totally unacceptable and a clear breach of the international rules surrounding peacekeeping',was briefed yesterday by the new Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy. Harris paid tribute to 'our personnel deployed with UNIFIL, who are operating in an increasingly volatile and tense environment'. Today in Lebanon, an Israeli strike killed one person in the south of the country despite a six-month-old supposed ceasefire. Israel said it targeted a Hezbollah militant. The state-run National News Agency said a man was killed when an Israeli drone targeted his car as he was heading to pray at a mosque in Deir al-Zahrani, about 20 kilometres from the Israeli border. Israel has continued to bomb Lebanon despite the 27 November truce that sought to halt more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah, including two months of open war. The Israeli army said the strike killed a regional commander 'of Hezbollah's rocket array'. With reporting form AFP 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
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- RTÉ News
UNIFIL to convey Irish anger to Israel over shooting incident
Hunter Williamson, Freelance journalist, brings us the latest from Lebanon, where Irish troops came under fire while taking part in a joint Irish UNIFIL & Lebanese Armed Forces patrol.
MTV Lebanon
3 days ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
On Peacekeepers' Day, UNIFIL emphasizes commitment to peace, despite continued tensions
In honour of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, UNIFIL hosted a ceremony at its Naqoura headquarters attended by members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, security services, local political and religious authorities, ambassadors, and UN officials. "The situation along the Blue Line remains tense and unpredictable, with repeated violations and a high risk of miscalculation," Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant-General Aroldo Lázaro said. "Through our liaison and coordination mechanisms, we offer a channel for dialogue and de-escalation helping to build the foundation for a possible solution". Emphasizing the need for a political process, the UNIFIL head noted that, "the path to peace in southern Lebanon is political. We must all work to create the right conditions for a long-term, sustainable solution". "One important step in recent months has been the significant deployment of more LAF soldiers to the south," UNIFIL chief emphasized. "Their presence as the sole providers of state authority and security must be preserved and for that, help from international partners needs to be maintained." During the ceremony, Lieutenant General Lázaro and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander representative Brigadier General Nicola Tabet laid wreaths in tribute to fallen peacekeepers. Over 4,400 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives on missions around the world since 1948, including more than 330 since UNIFIL was established in 1978. "Today, with solemn respect and deep gratitude, their legacy is etched into the foundation of this mission, and their commitment continues to inspire all of us who wear the blue helmet," said Lieutenant General Lázaro. "As we commemorate the 77th anniversary of UN peacekeeping, may we also renew our shared commitment to a more peaceful future, for south Lebanon, for the region, and for all the conflicts where the United Nations tries to bring peace," the UNIFIL head concluded. In 2002, 29 May was designated as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers to pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the military and civilian peacekeepers serving in UN peacekeeping operations, and to remember those who lost their lives for the cause of peace. The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), whose Observer Group Lebanon members currently work alongside UNIFIL for peace and stability in south Lebanon.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Shots fired at Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon
Irish soldiers, who are serving as peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, have come under fire while on a joint patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) has said. The incident happened 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 Irish Defence Force said. There were no reported injuries and no damage to the armoured vehicles they were operating from. Simon Harris, also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the fact that they "came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying," RTÉ reported. "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 added that he was pleased soldiers are "safe and well". The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin said that what happened was "completely unacceptable". In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he said that "the safety of peacekeepers carrying out their mandated duties must be respected by all". The Irish Defence Forces said the patrol withdrew from the area. They said soldiers "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," a statement said. Irish troops safe after rocket hits Lebanon camp
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Irish peacekeepers fired upon near Israel border
Irish soldiers who are serving as peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have come under fire near Israel's blueline, while on a joint patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Tánaiste has said. The Irish Defence Forces said a number of small arm rounds were fired near the patrol. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris said the Israeli Defence Forces were responsible for the incident. The incident took place this morning close to the village of Yaroun, and involved a joint Irish UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces patrol. 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, and there were no injuries to the personnel on the patrol, and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from. All personnel of the Irish contingent in Lebanon, part of the 126th Infantry Battalion, are reported to be safe and well. The Defence Forces said that 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 Defence Forces said in a statement. Mr Harris has been briefed on the incident. In a statement, he said the incident illustrates the dangers that Defence Forces personnel face as they continue to maintain peace in Southern Lebanon. "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. Today is International Day of UN Peacekeepers. We are proud of Irish troops' continued distinguished contribution to the UN's efforts for peace 🕊️ — Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) May 29, 2025 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."
