THE UN SECURITY Council has expressed “strong concern” after Israel fired on and wounded UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon during intensified fighting, reiterating its support for their role in supporting security in the region.
It is the first statement by the UN’s most powerful body since Israel’s attacks on the positions of the peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL began last week, drawing international condemnation.
UNIFIL has around 10,000 troops in its peacekeeping force.
Ireland is one of the 50 countries that have contributed to this force, with 370 troops in UNIFIL.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Marie Lacroix told reporters that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed yesterday that peacekeepers will remain in all their positions even as Israel has urged the peacekeepers to move three miles north during its ground invasion in Lebanon.
For Irish peacekeepers, their commander in charge has said troops are in good spirits despite “extremely challenging” conditions.
Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fox said on Sunday that Irish troops are …