Peacekeeping mission justified 'more than ever', says Irish commander in Lebanon
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fox says he is aware of the dangers but has ensured that adequate measures are in place to protect his troops
The commander of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon said their mission is “justified more than ever” after Israel again demanded their withdrawal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the UN to move the troops out of “harm’s way”.
In recent days, five peacekeepers have been wounded in attacks. On Friday, a soldier was shot in Naqoura.
Netanyahu said Israel had asked UNIFIL several times to leave, claiming the peacekeepers’ presence had “the effect of providing Hezbollah with human shields”.
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He added: “We regret the harm to UNIFIL soldiers and we are doing our utmost to prevent such harm. But the simplest and most obvious way to ensure this is simply to withdraw them from the danger zone.”
However, the UN says it has no plans to move its troops.
More than 300 Irish peacekeepers are stationed at Camp Shamrock in southern Lebanon and at an outpost close to the Blue Line, which is the effective border with Israel. Defence Forces Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fox said “now more than ever”, there is “a justification” for UNIFIL troops to continue their work.
Speaking on RTE’s This Week yesterday, he added: “I am always aware of the dangers of peacekeeping, but I have ensured the adequate post-protection measures in order to protect my troops are in place.
“[Measures] are constantly being reviewed to ensure the safety and welfare of peacekeepers.”
On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces admitted its troops were responsible for an incident in which two Sri Lankan soldiers, also in Naqoura, were injured.
And on Thursday, two Indonesian troops were injured falling from an observation tower after Israeli tanks fired towards it.
Lt Col Fox said the targeting and injuring of UN peacekeepers was “totally unacceptable”.
He confirmed all Irish soldiers are safe and well but, for the past three weeks, they have been working in a “challenging operational environment”.
Lt Col Fox added: “It has been challenging. Our troops are well trained, they are professional, their mental and physical resilience has been tested, but they have stood up to that and are solely focused on remaining and getting the job done.
“The troops are well, they are good, the morale is high. It has been extremely challenging for them, but a challenge they have stood up to. They were not found wanting, they provided accurate reports and timely information on the ground in line with what the mandate asked them to do.”
Last week, Israeli soldiers took up positions close to an outpost UNP 6-52 – which is manned by 30 Irish troops close to the Blue Line. The move was the focus of international attention and criticism.
Lt Col Fox said the IDF had moved on from that position. “I’m happy to report there is no IDF presence or activity at that post for the last four days. It continues to monitor and report on all activity that they are seeing, but it is very, very quiet in that area,” he said.
“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to resupply the post at this time but there are plans to put in place route clearance to resupply the post with rations and personnel. We are well accustomed to route clearance. We have experience in doing that.”
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the escalating violence in Lebanon is “extremely worrying”.
She added: “Our troops are accounted for, they’re safe, but we can clearly see things are escalating even further, and the violence and the escalation in the region is extremely worrying.
“This is something that is kept under consideration consistently, we’re getting hourly reports from the UN as to what is happening.
“Our peacekeepers are not the only country represented and the decision had been taken over the last number of weeks to stay there. These are hugely capable, experienced peacekeepers, but we need to make sure that they are safe.
“Israel are not listening here. Israel have crossed international law. They do so every time they injure and kill innocent civilians, be it in Gaza or elsewhere, and now they are directly targeting uniform peacekeepers.”
Meanwhile, UNIFIL reported that 15 of its peacekeepers suffered skin irritation and gastrointestinal reactions after Israeli forces first stormed their position and then fired rounds which emitted smoke nearby.
The incident saw IDF tanks force their way through the gates of the position in Ramyah, near the Lebanese border.
In a statement, UNIFIL said: “At around 4:30am, while peacekeepers were in shelters, two IDF Merkava tanks destroyed the position’s main gate and forcibly entered the position. They requested multiple times that the base turn out its lights.
“The tanks left 45 minutes later after UNIFIL protested through our liaison mechanism, saying their presence was putting peacekeepers in danger.
“At around 6:40am, peacekeepers reported the firing of several rounds 100 metres north, which emitted smoke. Fifteen peacekeepers suffered 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.
“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.”
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