Micheál Martin joins 16 national defence ministers to reiterate support for Unifil in Lebanon

For his part, the Tánaiste said he remains deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon including the continuing Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel

Wed, 16 Oct, 2024 - 15:38

Michelle McGlynn, Political Reporter

Tánaiste Micheál Martin joined fellow defence ministers in reiterating commitment to Unifil and its peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon.

On Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Minister joined ministers and representatives from the 16 EU troop-contributing countries to discuss the recent attacks on Unifil posts.

Mr Martin said it was agreed that any deliberate attack on Unifil posts or peacekeepers is "reprehensible and a totally unacceptable breach of international law".

Those in attendance at Wednesday's meeting used the opportunity to demonstrate cohesion as a group and issue a clear and strong message in support of Unifil, "particularly in light of the strong information operations by parties to the conflict".

"I reiterated that this is a cause of the deepest concern to the Irish people, myself and the Government and, in particular, the families of the Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon," said Mr Martin.

"All member states underlined a continued commitment to Unifil and we agreed on the need for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 by all parties as a means to restoring international peace and security in the region."

The evolving situation in Lebanon will continue to be monitored and the ministers and representatives will keep in regular contact regarding diplomatic and political actions that can be used to find a solution.

For his part, Mr Martin said he remains deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon including the continuing Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel.

"Israel’s massive aerial bombardments and ground incursions across the Blue Line by the Israeli Defence Forces," he said.

We need to see urgent de-escalation, an immediate ceasefire, and a surge of humanitarian assistance into Lebanon.

The meeting of the troop contributing countries came as Israeli strikes killed at least 15 people in the southern Lebanese town of Qana, which has long been associated with civilian deaths after Israeli strikes during previous conflicts with Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time in nearly a week early on Wednesday. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the strikes in Qana late on Tuesday.

Lebanon’s Civil Defence said 15 bodies had been recovered from the rubble of a building and that rescue efforts were still underway.

Ireland’s peacekeepers in Lebanon are putting their lives on the line. I know – I was one of them

Additional reporting by Associated Press