Lebanon: No plans to remove Irish peacekeepers despite warnings

The Taoiseach (Irish PM) Simon Harris, who met the leader of Palestine on Wednesday in New York, condemned the strikes on Lebanon.

“We continue to see a dangerous escalation and loss of life in the Middle East,” Mr Harris said.

“I utterly condemn the bombing of civilian areas in southern Lebanon by Israel and the firing of rockets towards civilian areas in Israel by Hezbollah.

“There has been a shocking loss of life this week, but even at this stage it is not too late for all sides to step back from the brink.

“Gaza is in ruins and in desperate need of the world’s help.”

Mr Harris added that opening a second front in Lebanon would be a “disaster” risking an all-out war with profound consequences for the region and the world.

“I have met the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, and received a briefing and situational report on the peacekeeping missing in Southern Lebanon,” he said.

“Irish troops serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL) are well trained and following all protocols.”

”Their safety is paramount, and the Secretary-General assured me that conditions are under constant review and that UNIFIL is prepared for all eventualities. We agreed to stay in close touch as the situation evolves.”