Official statements from the Irish government or UNIFIL

Thirty Irish Peacekeepers Trapped at Post 6-52 as Ireland Rejects Israeli Withdrawal Request

Oct 6, 2024, 04:10 PM

Irish peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have found themselves in a precarious situation amid escalating tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border. Thirty Irish soldiers stationed at post 6-52, known as the Blue Line and located southeast of Marun ar Ras, have been trapped for several days as Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conduct operations in close proximity to their position. UNIFIL has expressed deep concern over the IDF's activities adjacent to their mission's position inside Lebanese territory, describing it as an "extremely dangerous development" and "unacceptable" in terms of compromising the safety of UN peacekeepers carrying out Security Council mandated tasks. Despite Israel's request for UNIFIL troops to withdraw from certain areas, Ireland has refused to evacuate its peacekeepers. According to the Irish Times, the Irish government has rejected Israel's request to withdraw its troops, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining stability and observing the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. UNIFIL has reiterated the necessity for all parties to adhere to Resolution 1701 as the sole path to reestablish stability. UNIFIL has repeatedly informed the IDF of the ongoing situation through regular channels, underscoring the need to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.