Statement from Tánaiste and Minister of Defence Micheál Martin

I have been briefed by the Chief of Staff on the situation in Lebanon following the strikes between Hezbollah and Israel overnight.

I have been advised that while Irish personnel serving in UNIFIL have taken shelter in secured bunkers overnight, all are safe and accounted for.

The Defence Forces and UNIFIL HQ continue to monitor the situation closely and the Chief of Staff will continue to update me accordingly.

It is imperative that we see the immediate de-escalation of military hostilities by all parties.