Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2024
55. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the situation in Lebanon; the discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40572/24]
View answer60. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken to his Lebanese counterpart and offered Ireland’s support. [40574/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 60 together.
I am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon in recent days, including continuing Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel, Israel's massive aerial bombardments and ground incursions across the Blue Line by the Israeli Defence Forces.
Recent developments in Lebanon represent a further dangerous escalation in an already tense and fragile region. I call for an immediate ceasefire, and urge all who have influence to use this positively to that end. We need to see urgent de-escalation and a surge in humanitarian assistance in Lebanon.
The safety of Irish personnel serving in UNIFIL is a priority for the Government. I am in regular contact with the Chief of Staff regarding the situation on the ground. Irish soldiers continue to take shelter in secured positions, and all are currently safe and accounted for. I have spoken on a number of occasions with UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, to underline the Government's concerns including regarding the activity of the Israeli Defence Forces in the vicinity of Irish outposts. The Taoiseach has discussed the situation with UN Secretary General Guterres. I welcome the news that the IDF has moved from its previous position and are currently not located near the Irish UNIFIL outposts.
Since 8th October 2023, over 2,000 people have died in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The humanitarian impacts in Lebanon are severe. The country was already in a fragile situation and ill-equipped to respond to this. I remain concerned about the threat to UN staff and medical workers who take exceptional risks to provide vital aid, and who should be protected.
The level of destruction and displacement in Lebanon is shocking. Current estimates are that over 1 million people have been displaced, further exacerbating already acute humanitarian needs. This is an extraordinarily challenging time for the Lebanese people.
I last met Foreign Minister Bou Habib in May when I visited Lebanon. At that time I reassured him of Ireland's support for his country. I announced an additional €1 million in support of humanitarian relief in Lebanon at the end of September. This brings Irish support to €5 million in 2024 alone and €33 million since 2018. While it was not possible to meet Minister Habib last month when I was in New York at the UN, I addressed the UN Security Council on the crisis on the Middle East including the situation in Lebanon.
Since the beginning of this crisis, I have been in regular contact with my counterparts in European Union Member States and the EU institutions, pressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance at scale. Last week, I participated in an emergency meeting of EU Foreign Ministers by video conference on the situation in Lebanon. HRVP Borrell issued a press statement after the meeting which focused on support measures to Lebanon.
I will continue my intensive engagement with EU partners to take concrete steps which demonstrate the Union’s commitment to de-escalation in the region and a diplomatic solution, including at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council next week.
