Harris says various ‘contingency plans’ considered to keep Irish peacekeepers safe [Video]

TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS has said the attack on UNIFIL peacekeeping troops in Lebanon must be a turning point in the escalating violence in the Middle East.

Unifil – the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – confirmed today that Israeli tank fire struck its headquarters in Lebanon’s south, wounding two members. 

Irish troops were unharmed. 

Speaking to students at an event in Georgetown University in Washington DC, Harris said called the Israeli actions “utterly unacceptable”.

He went on reassure the families of the Irish troops that their safety is of paramount importance to the government. 

Harris confirmed that “various contingency planning for all possible eventualities” to keep Irish peacekeepers safe have been considered. 

Turning point

The Taoiseach said this “has to be a moment where the world says no” to further war in the region.

He warned that world leaders would show a lack of moral courage “if we say it in hushed tones or if we say ‘no, but’”, in its response to the …