Latest news with #UNIFIL
The Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Talks continue to convince US officials to renew support for Lebanese peacekeeping mission
BACKROOM TALKS ARE continuing between Irish officials and their United Nations and European counterparts to find a way to convince the US to renew their support for the Lebanon peacekeeping mission. The Tánaiste Simon Harris held talks today with UN and European counterparts in a bid to secure the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate in Southern Lebanon. The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on whether to continue the mandate for the mission in August. Harris met with Italian and Lebanese officials today having discussed the issue with the new US ambassador in Dublin, Edward Walsh. The Irish efforts in recent days are focused on the Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani as an Italian military leadership team is now the leaders on the UNIFIL mission. As revealed by The Journal there were concerns among participating countries that American diplomats would use their veto to block the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Mission in august. US real estate mogul Tom Barrack, a close confidante of Donald Trump, was in Lebanon and Israel recently to carry out an assessment of the mission. A diplomatic source said that there is 'uncertainty' about how the US will ultimately vote given how unpredictable the Trump Regime is but recent assessments among Irish officials are that there is 'cautious optimism' that the talks will be successful. It is understood Harris also met with United Nations Peacekeeping Chief, Jean-Pierre LaCroix. Advertisement Harris also had a phone call with the Lebanese Foreign Minister to discuss Youssef Rajji. 'This afternoon's calls were an important opportunity to express Ireland's strong commitment to UNIFIL and share perspectives on the upcoming renewal of its mandate. 'Since 1978, participation in UNIFIL has been a key demonstration of Ireland's commitment to international peacekeeping. I remain exceptionally proud of the Defence Forces members serving in UNIFIL and the contribution they make every day. 'It is clear to me, including through my visit in March this year, that UNIFIL continues to play a vital role in ensuring stability and security. 'Ireland remains committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon including through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate in the coming weeks,' he said. Officials are to hold further engagement with their French colleagues next week while Harris will hold further talks with the French Foreign Minister John-Noel Barrot next week. Last week Poland, which is stationed with 340 Irish troops in South Lebanon as part of IRISPOLBATT also backed the extension in a statement. Earlier this week the Government discussed the renewal negotiations at Cabinet. In today's discussions with the Lebanese Government Harris again raised the killing of Private Seán Rooney in Lebanon in December 2022. While a number of men, who are suspected Hezbollah members, have been charged they have not stood trial yet. 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
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
French Ambassador, Lebanese FM discuss Syria and UNIFIL mandate
Lebanon's Foreign Minister, Youssef Rajji, met with French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, to discuss the latest developments in Syria and the need to shield Lebanon from any potential fallout. Both sides emphasized the urgency of resolving outstanding issues between Lebanon and Syria, underscoring the importance of coordinated diplomacy during a period of regional volatility. Ambassador Magro briefed Minister Rajji on ongoing diplomatic efforts led by France to secure the renewal of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate remains vital to stability along the border.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Tánaiste holds talks over Lebanon peacekeeping renewal
Tánaiste Simon Harris has held talks with UN and EU counterparts about the vital need to renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon. Next month at the UN headquarters in New York, the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will be up for discussion at the Security Council. There is concern that the 12-month roll-over of the UNIFIL mandate could be in jeopardy given strong criticism of the blue helmet operation by Israel and the fact that its ally, the United States, could pull support from the mission. The Tánaiste spoke with his counterparts in Italy and Lebanon, as well as the UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre LaCroix. The discussion with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is particularly important given the recent appointment of an Italian Major General as the UNIFIL Force Commander. Later Mr Harris will hold further talks, including with the French foreign minister whose country is leading the bid to ensure the UNIFIL mandate continues. Earlier this week, Poland gave its full backing to the renewal of the UNIFIL mission - a country that works hand-in-hand with Irish peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. The Tánaiste also told Cabinet on Tuesday that the UNIFIL mission is vital for the morale of Irish troops, and most importantly, Ireland's unwavering commitment to international peace and security. In his call with Lebanese foreign minister, Mr Harris also raised the case of Private Seán Rooney, who was killed while out on patrol in southern Lebanon in December 2022. The Irish Government has expressed concern at the length of time it is taking for a trial to proceed and continues to liaise with the late Private Rooney's family.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Violence Spurs Displacement In Syria, Israeli Forces Cross The Blue Line In Lebanon, Mall Fire Kills Dozens In Iraq
17 July 2025 As of Thursday, nearly 2,000 families have been displaced from violence-affected areas in Sweida governate and are currently sheltering in a dozen collective sites. Many are unable to return home due to damage, looting or destruction of their homes. The health systems in Sweida and neighbouring Dar'a governorate remain under critical strain, operating without power and facing severe supply shortages. Reports also suggest that at least two doctors were killed in the recent clashes, and some armed groups have occupied health facilities, putting patients and staff at risk. Mobilisation amid constrained access The UN and its partners are mobilising humanitarian assistance as security allows and working with authorities to facilitate access. The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched 35 trauma and emergency surgery kits for 1,750 interventions, but many remain undelivered because of constrained access. 'We urge all parties to protect people caught up in the violence, including by allowing them to move freely to seek safety and medical assistance,' said Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stephanie Tremblay at Thursday's daily press briefing in New York. She also stressed that security forces must respect applicable international law, norms and standards throughout their operations. Lebanon: UN peacekeepers observe unauthorised Israeli activities Ms. Tremblay also reported that peacekeepers at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continue to observe Israeli military activities in its area of operations. On 16 July, Israeli soldiers crossed north of the Blue Line to conduct military exercises. UNIFIL peacekeepers have also heard several explosions, including one on 17 July near the Mission Headquarters in Naqoura. The 'blue helmets' have additionally discovered unauthorized weapons and ammunition caches at one site, rocket launchers, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds and ammunition boxes. Commitment to Lebanon In response to recent observations the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Diodato Abagnara, met with the Lebanese Army's South Litani Sector Commander Brigadier General Nicolas Tabet in Tyre on 17 July. 'Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert and General Abagnara underlined our commitment to supporting the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, including strengthening State authority and helping restore stability in southern Lebanon,' Ms. Tremblay said. As part of UNIFIL's support, peacekeepers trained with Lebanese Armed Forces personnel in Tyre on 16 July, enhancing the operational competency of the Lebanese Army personnel. Fire in Iraqi shopping mall The United Nations has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a tragic fire in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut on Wednesday. According to news reports, the fire tore through the shopping centre – which opened only a week ago – leaving at least 61 people dead. 'We express our strong solidarity with the people of Wasit Governorate in this profound loss,' Ms. Tremblay said. She also emphasised that the UN and its partners are ready to provide humanitarian assistance to help mitigate the tragedy's impact.
CairoScene
3 days ago
- CairoScene
Miracles on the Med: Lebanon's Naqoura Cliffs
Naqoura Cliffs are proof that some of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean aren't in guidebooks. Down at the southernmost tip of Lebanon, where the land hums with old tension and the sea forgets, a stretch of coast rises like something from a dream—or a secret too long kept. The cliffs of Naqoura, tall and chalky white, tumble into the Mediterranean in folds and fractures, their faces wind-scrubbed and sea-carved into caves, arches, and rippling ledges. This isn't the Mediterranean of beach bars and glossy hotel views. This is the edge—where waves crash into limestone like they're knocking on ancient doors, and where silence is broken only by the rustle of olive branches or the distant hum of a patrol boat. The cliffs are protected by nature and by history. Just inland sits the headquarters of UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force, and beyond that, the tense hush of the Lebanese-Israeli border. This strange serenity—the mix of beauty and borderland—has kept Naqoura wild, nearly untouched by the tourism that has softened much of the Mediterranean's wilder edges. Locals who know the way whisper of sea caves you can only reach by kayak, where the light filters in turquoise and the water laps at smooth white stone. Divers say the clarity here is surreal, with coral patches blooming beneath cliff shadows and schools of fish flickering in and out of the shallows. You won't find snack shacks or sun loungers. You probably won't even find signs. But if you manage to make it here—through permits, through patience, through the poetry of the unexpected—you'll find a place where Lebanon meets the sea in raw, radiant solitude. It's not the easiest destination. But then again, miracles never are.
