Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
159. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on any engagements she and her Department have had with stakeholders about the current UNIFIL mission in Lebanon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22940/26]
View answerI am deeply concerned about the evolving security situation in Lebanon.
Ireland has condemned the attacks by Hezbollah on Israel, which have seriously escalated the conflict.
Ireland must also condemn Israel’s disproportionate military response, including its use of widespread evacuation orders in Southern Lebanon and Beirut followed by aerial bombardment which has caused widespread fear and destruction.
The ongoing ground offensive and increased IDF presence in Southern Lebanon is in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
We condemn any deliberate targeting of UNIFIL personnel or installations, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. The incident on 6 March, where a number of Ghanaian peacekeepers were injured at a UNIFIL post, was of deep concern. There is a legal obligation on all parties to conflict to take measures to protect civilians and peacekeepers.
All Irish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL are safe and accounted for but operating in a difficult environment. I am grateful for their continued dedication to their important role. Our peacekeepers in UNIFIL continue to closely monitor the situation in their areas of operations. I am in daily contact with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces in this regard.
On 10 March, I spoke with Jean Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, about the situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations and the security of peacekeepers. I emphasised that attacks on UN peacekeepers must be met with full accountability.
The situation in Lebanon was discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 16 March. EU Foreign Ministers stressed the need for de-escalation and called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, while urging Israel to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilise Lebanon. On 19 March, the European Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for UNIFIL.
Ireland has a long and proud history of participation and support for UN peacekeeping and the vital role it plays in supporting stability and security around the world.
