Martin and McEntee condemn attack on UNIFIL

Irish troops on Parade at Camp Shamrock near the border with Lebanon and Israel. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The Taoiseach and the foreign affairs minister have both condemned the strike on a UNIFIL position in southern Lebanon that left several Ghanaian peacekeepers seriously injured.

They warned that the surge in violence threatens years of progress in the region.

Micheál Martin called the attack “reckless” and paid tribute to the Irish troops who rushed to assist their Ghanaian colleagues.

He confirmed he had been fully briefed and that all Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL are safe and accounted for.

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Lebanon is “extremely worrying”. She insisted that any attack on UN peacekeepers is unacceptable.

She emphasised that all necessary force protection measures were being observed and reiterated the responsibility of all sides to ensure peacekeeper safety.

The minister also condemned Hezbollah’s recent attacks on Israel, accusing the group of endangering both Israeli civilians and Lebanon itself.

She criticised what she described as a “disproportionate” Israeli response, citing airstrikes, ground operations and evacuation demands affecting civilians.

Ms McEntee said she had raised these concerns with EU and Gulf counterparts and discussed the situation directly with Lebanon’s foreign minister.

Both leaders warned that the week’s escalation has undermined fragile progress, including efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

They urged full adherence to the November 2024 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 while reaffirming the country’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s recovery, with Ms McEntee saying the long‑suffering Lebanese people must be given an opportunity to live in peace.