LAST UPDATE | 30 mins ago
ISRAELI TANKS “DESTROYED” the entrance to a peacekeepers’ camp in Lebanon and “forcibly entered” the position this morning, according to Unifil, which has accused the Israeli military of “shocking violations”.
It’s understood Ghanaian troops were injured in the incident, the latest in a series of incidents in which peacekeepers have come under attack.
The Irish Defence Forces have confirmed that none of their soldiers were harmed.
In a statement released this afternoon, Unifil said the Merkava tanks “requested multiple times” that the base in Ramyah, southern Lebanon, turn out its lights.
They left after 45 minutes but, over an hour later, rounds were fired around 100m from the base. These emitted smoke which caused “skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions” for 15 peacekeepers, who are now receiving treatment for their injuries.
“For the fourth time in as many days, we remind the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) 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,” Unifil said in the statement.
“We have requested an explanation from the IDF from these shocking violations.”
UNIFIL statement:
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) October 13, 2024
Early this morning, peacekeepers at a UN position in Ramyah observed three platoons of IDF soldiers crossing the Blue Line into Lebanon.
In a separate statement, the Irish Defence Forces said that “all Irish peacekeepers are accounted for and well” in south Lebanon.
It said the situation around Irish positions “remains relatively calm” and that this has allowed the successful resupply of food and water to camp UNP 2-45.
“Clashes between both parties to the conflict persist in both the Irish and wider Unifil Area of Operations,” the Defence Forces said.
“Irish peacekeepers continue to monitor and report any violations of UNSCR 1701 by all parties involved, maintaining an independent and impartial stance.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today called on the United Nations to move peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon out of “harm’s way”.
Twenty Unifil peacekeepers have now been wounded in separate attacks in recent days, but the UN has said there are currently no plans for their troops to leave.
The overnight incident comes following the shooting of a peacekeeper yesterday, who underwent surgery for his injuries and is now in a stable condition.
For the Irish peacekeepers in south Lebanon, their commander in charge has said troops are in good spirits despite “extremely challenging” conditions.
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fox said Irish troops are “all safe and well” amid growing concerns over mounting tensions in the region.
More than 300 Irish peacekeepers are stationed at Camp Shamrock in south Lebanon and at an Irish outpost close to the Blue Line – the effective border between Israel and Lebanon.
Lt Col Fox told RTÉ’s This Week programme the “targeting and injuring of UN peacekeepers is totally unacceptable”.
“As a commander, I am always aware of the dangers of peacekeeping, but I have ensured that the adequate post-protection measures in order to protect my troops are in place.”
He said these measures are “constantly being reviewed to ensure the safety and welfare of my peacekeepers”.
Fox said now, more than ever, there is “a justification” for Unifil troops to keep carrying out their work.
He said peacekeepers are “the eyes and ears of the world” and are there to report the facts of “what is actually happening in south Lebanon”.
Fox added there are “contingency plans in place” if troops need to evacuate at some point.
On Tuesday, the UN confirmed that Israeli troops had left their position near outpost 6-52 where some Irish troops are based.
Fox said there has been “no IDF presence or activity” near that post for the last four days.
He said troops there are “well” and “morale is high” despite the “extremely challenging” situation.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to resupply the post at this moment in time, but there are plans in place and preparations to conduct route clearance and resupply the post with rations and personnel at the earliest possible opportunity,” Fox added.
The Defence Forces can confirm that all our personnel deployed with UNIFIL are well and accounted for, and no Irish personnel were involved in this incident.
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) October 12, 2024
Our personnel continue to adhere to all necessary force protection and risk mitigation measures. https://t.co/73z6NvLA9u
Earlier today Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said there needs to be an exit plan for Unifil peacekeepers, as a precaution.
She told RTÉ’s The Week in Politics: “We can clearly see that things are escalating even further.
The violence and escalation in the region is extremely worrying.
“This is something that is kept under consideration consistently, we are getting hourly reports from the UN as to what is happening.”
McEntee added that, following Netanyahu’s statement today, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste “will be engaging with (UN secretary-general) Antonio Guterres to see what happens next”.
With reporting from Eoghan Dalton and Niall O’Connor
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