Statement following Taoiseach’s call with President of Israel Isaac Herzog

The Taoiseach spoke by phone today with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to relay the Government’s serious concern about the deteriorating situation in southern Lebanon, and to emphasise the Government’s expectation that UNIFIL’s role and mandate be fully respected at all times.

He emphasised that the security of Irish peacekeepers serving in the region is paramount.

The Taoiseach was clear that the deliberate firing at UNIFIL posts is an outrageous and totally unacceptable breach of international law, and a cause of the deepest concern to the Irish people, especially the families of the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon.

He made it clear that UNIFIL serves on behalf of the international community, with a clear mandate from the Security Council, and that it must be allowed to carry out its functions unimpeded.

The Taoiseach explained the long tradition of members of the Irish Defence Forces serving in Lebanon, their professionalism, their commitment to their mission and their dedication to duty.

He described the enormous pride that Irish people take in their service, and said that their safety, and that of their UNIFIL colleagues, is a matter of the highest priority of the Government.

He called for an immediate ceasefire that can allow for implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and the return of people to their homes.

The Taoiseach said that the Irish people remain deeply concerned about the appalling loss of life and deepening humanitarian disaster in Gaza and reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire.

The Taoiseach said the scale of a humanitarian catastrophe is unimaginable and that children and civilians are starving and dying.

The Taoiseach also took the opportunity to express the Government’s sincere condolences to the Israeli people on the recent anniversary of the brutal Hamas attacks on Israel of 7 October.

He also expressed his solidarity with the family and friends of those who continue to be held hostage, who should be released immediately and without condition.

ENDS