Irish troops safe as UN peacekeepers attacked by Israel at Lebanese border

A Hezbollah rescue worker, left, and a Lebanese Civil Defence worker, right, stand on the rubble of destroyed buildings at commercial street that was hit Saturday night by Israeli airstrikes, in NAbatiyeh town, south Lebanon. Picture: AP

The UN has said its peacekeepers were attacked by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers on the Lebanese border - the fourth such incident in as many days for Unifil troops.

This latest attack came as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United Nations to evacuate troops in its Unifil peacekeeping force from combat areas in Lebanon. 

The Irish Defence Forces confirmed that all Irish peacekeepers are accounted for and well/

Attacks by Israeli forces on UN peacekeepers have continued despite international outrage and condemnation.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Unifil said peacekeepers observed three platoons of IDF soldiers crossing into Lebanon

"At around 4:30 a.m., while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the position’s main gate and forcibly entered the position," a Unifil statement noted.

"They requested multiple times that the base turn out its lights.

"The tanks left about 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through our liaison mechanism, saying that IDF presence was putting peacekeepers in danger."

However two hours later, peacekeepers at the same position reported the firing of several rounds 100 metres north of the location, which emitted smoke.

The UN statement continued: "Despite putting on protective masks, fifteen peacekeepers suffered effects, including skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions, after the smoke entered the camp. 

"The peacekeepers are receiving treatment."

In addition, yesterday, IDF soldiers stopped a "critical" UNIFIL logistical movement near Meiss ej Jebel, denying it passage. 

The critical movement could not be completed, the UN statement said.

The statement continued: "For the fourth time in as many days, we remind the IDF and all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property and to respect the inviolability of UN premises at all times."

The UN has requested an explanation from the IDF from these violations.

In a statement this afternoon, The Defence Forces confirmed that all Irish Peacekeepers are accounted for and well. "The situation around Irish positions remains relatively calm. This environment has allowed the successful resupply of food and water to UNP 2-45. Clashes between both parties to the conflict persist in both the Irish and wider UNIFIL Area of Operations. 

!Irish peacekeepers continue to monitor and report any violations of UNSCR 1701 by all parties involved, maintaining an independent and impartial stance.

Earlier today, the Tánaiste accused Israel of committing war crimes in northern Gaza.

Micheál Martin said the ongoing bombardment by Israeli forces at the refugee camp in Jabalia was "horrific", and that it and other attacks on northern Gaza must stop. 

At least 19 people have been reported dead in the camp after Israeli air attacks, including women and children, according the Hamas-run health ministry.