Unifil looking to sailors to potentially resupply peacekeepers in Lebanon

Unifil spokesperson Andrea Tinetti was asked if there would be an issue with supplies for peacekeepers if the current intensity of Israel's bombardment of Lebanon continues.

“The troops are always been very well equipped and with enough storage for several weeks," the spokesperson said.

“We have been able to provide logistical support. As you know, we also have a maritime task force with five ships at sea.

They could also provide that kind of assistance, so we are trying to take care of that

Of the worsening situation in the country, Mr Tinetti said: “The situation is definitely concerning.

“The shelling is ongoing, and continuing everywhere in the south but also in other parts of the country [like] in Beirut, and Beqaa [30km away], and this is still ongoing.

“Definitely the potential for a regional conflict is a reality. The last few days have been more concerning also for the safety and security of our troops.

“It is important to ensure their safety during this heavy shelling, that has been way more lethal and targeted compared to the previous months. Now we are trying to go back to being more operational.”

He added that going back on patrol will depend on the success of negotiations underway between Unifil top brass, Lebanese armed forces commanders, and the Israelis.

“It will require assurances from from the sides that there would be no shelling during our activities in assistance with the local population,” he said.

The Irish Defence Forces, who share peacekeeping duties with a Polish army contingent in southern Lebanon, insist that contingency plans are in place for their soldiers.

The 124th Infantry Battalion are manning positions in UNP 2-45 — also known as Camp Shamrock — and are also based in the outpost, UNP 6-52.

A spokesperson said: “Contingency planning for the sustainment of personnel has ensured reserves of all resources have been built up and are being managed to sustain operations.”

Purification systems

However, sources have said that “it is just a matter of time” before soldiers at all Unifil bases start to run out of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and water.

According to a security source, water supplies in the camp “are tight”, but soldiers are well supplied with dry food and ration packs.

While thousands of litres of water are purified in the camp’s onsite mobile water purification systems everyday, it is not considered very suitable for cooking and drinking.

Soldiers tend to get their drinking water from the thousands of bottles of fresh water usually supplied to the camp at least every week.

It is understood the Irish base in At Atiri has previously relied on both daily and weekly supplies from shops in neighbouring towns and villages.

Since Israel started bombing southern Lebanon earlier in the week, most of these have now shut down as people have fled the area amid fears of an impending land invasion.

It is understood, for example, that it is virtually impossible for Irish troops to visit the shops in the nearby town of Haris, where they would routinely get supplies.

A Defence Forces spokesperson added: “Despite the increase in exchanges of fire, Irish peacekeepers continue to carry out the UNSCR mandate in the area of operations.

Safety and security of personnel is paramount, and the situation is constantly monitored, and force protection measures have been improved and positions fortified

“At all times, members of the 124th Infantry Battalion are continuing to act as the eyes and ears of the international community.”

The Polish contingent that shares duties with Irish peacekeepers in Camp Shamrock were due to be rotated two days ago.

However, they cannot be replaced “for the time being”, according to a security source.