Statement by the Tánaiste following virtual Ministerial meeting of EU Troop Contributing Countries to UNIFIL

16 October 2024

This morning I had a very valuable meeting with fellow Defence ministers and representatives of the 16 EU troop contributing countries to UNIFIL to discuss the situation in Lebanon.

There was agreement that we must take the opportunity as EU member states to work together and demonstrate cohesion as a group, including issuing clear and strong messaging in support of UNIFIL, particularly in light of the strong information operations by parties to the conflict.

The safety and security of personnel in UNIFIL is of utmost importance and we are unified in our views that the safety of peacekeepers is the priority of all EU member states.

We agreed that any deliberate attack on UNIFIL posts or peacekeepers is reprehensible and a totally unacceptable breach of international law. I reiterated that this is a cause of the deepest concern to the Irish people, myself and the Government and, in particular, the families of the Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon.

All member states underlined a continued commitment to UNIFIL and we agreed on the need for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 by all parties as a means to restoring international peace and security in the region.

We agreed to monitor the situation continuously as it evolves in Lebanon and will keep in regular contact to ensure that diplomatic and political actions are utilised fully to find a solution.

I remain deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon, including continuing Hezbollah rocket fire on Israel, Israel’s massive aerial bombardments and ground incursions across the Blue Line by the Israeli Defence Forces.

We need to see urgent de-escalation, an immediate ceasefire, and a surge of humanitarian assistance into Lebanon.

ENDS