There were reports yesterday that the IDF has asked UN force UNIFIL and its Irish Defence Forces contingent to withdraw from an outpost near Maroun El-Ras, where there has been intense fighting between Israelis and Hezbollah.
A spokesperson for the Irish Defence Forces said they had “no comment to make” on what it called an “operational matter”.
In a statement issued at 2.50pm this afternoon, President Higgins said he wanted to comment on the situation in the Middle East.
President Higgins said the month of October “is and will always be a month full of sorrow for so many families”.
“It will include those innocent people, so many of them young people, horrifically killed while attending the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival in Israel on October 7th, the outrageous murder and assault of so many others by Hamas, and the taking of hostages, the anxiety for the safety of so many of whom is permanently in the hearts of their families.
“We should not have come to such events, or the horrific events that followed of collective punishment, vengeance and destruction of the means of habitation, or, for example the education and health of children.”
The President said it was important that there were not “further additions” to the loss and mutilation of life which occurred last October.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 5th October 2024
Last October 7, hundreds of Hamas fighters from Gaza broke into southern Israel killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with hundreds, including children, taken hostage. It sparked an ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza has taken over 41,000 lives, according to the enclave’s Hamas controlled health department, and caused what the UN has described as a humanitarian crisis.
In recent weeks violence has flared in Lebanon with Israel taking military action to take out what it says are Hezbollah positions that have been used to fire rockets into Israel.
In his statement this afternoon, the President described the Israeli Defence Forces’ reported actions of seeking to have Irish troops withdrawn from southern Lebanon as “an insult”.
“At this time as Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, but I am sure as are all Irish citizens, I am thinking of what an anxious time it is for them. Members of the Defence Forces are risking their lives, and their families are making this sacrifice, on behalf of defenceless civilians in southern Lebanese villages. We all daily think of them and the importance of their safety and provisions.
“Ireland’s contingent of 347 is part of an allocation of 10,000 UNIFIL soldiers. It is outrageous that the Israeli Defence Forces have threatened this peacekeeping force and sought to have them evacuate the villages they are defending. Indeed, Israel is demanding that the entire UNIFIL operating under UN mandates walk away.
“This is not only an insult to the most important global institution to which 193 members are committed, but it is also an insult to the soldiers and their families who have taken risks so we might all live in peace and protect the most vulnerable.
“I am sure that the courage being displayed by our contingent and their colleagues has the thoughts and prayers of all those who value peace, at home and abroad.”
The Israeli embassy in Dublin was approached for comment this afternoon.
The Defence Forces said yesterday that its headquarters remains in regular contact with its leadership on the ground in Lebanon, getting updates on the ongoing situation in our three mission areas.
“The safety and security of our personnel stationed in the region remains of paramount concern to the General Staff, and we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the families and friends of our personnel for their steadfast support throughout this deployment,” it said.
“UNIFIL HQ has instructed all battalions to limit movements with the ongoing situation. Assessments on the supply corridor north of the Litani to Beirut were made at the beginning of the escalations and it was determined that the current environment is not conducive to the movement of large convoys.
“Personnel currently on leave rotation were instructed to hold their return travel to Lebanon and remain on standby until a secure window becomes available to return them to UNP 2-45. These plans are being reviewed on a daily basis.”
It said all its personnel in Lebanon are well and are maintaining vigilance in their mission areas.
“Despite the tough conditions, the Irish troops remain steadfast in their determination and resilience to fulfil the mission,” it said.
