António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, told an RTÉ reporter on Tuesday, October 8 that Israeli forces have left the area near where Irish troops are stationed in Lebanon.
"Yesterday, I had a chance to speak with your Prime Minister," Guterres told RTÉ News on Tuesday.
"And after that, I did a number of démarches with different entities, and I can now tell you that those Israeli tanks and other armed elements that were around the 6-52 position have left."
.@antonioguterres tells @rte reporter @yvmurray that @IDF tanks near #Irish peacekeepers' post in So Lebanon as part of @UNIFIL_ "have left" pic.twitter.com/ZjEsyU5hcs
— PassBlue (@pass_blue) October 8, 2024
Óglaigh na hÉireann, Ireland's Defence Forces, confirmed later on Tuesday the UN reports that there were no IDF [Israel Defense Force] personnel or vehicles observed in the vicinity of UNP 6-52.
Situation Update on Irish Defence Forces serving with overseas missions in Lebanon for family members
There have been recent reports regarding the proximity of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to Irish positions. Currently, the Defence Forces can confirm the UN reports that… pic.twitter.com/0dlf0MIW2W
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) October 8, 2024
The development comes two days after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement that it was "deeply concerned by recent activities by the IDF [Israel Defense Force] immediately adjacent to the Mission’s position 6-52, southeast of Marun ar Ras (Sector West), inside Lebanese territory."
A number of Irish troops are based at UN Post 6-52 which is near the Israeli border.
UNIFIL said on Sunday: "The IDF has been repeatedly informed of this ongoing situation through regular channels.
"This is an extremely dangerous development. It is unacceptable to compromise the safety of UN peacekeepers carrying out their Security Council-mandated tasks.
"UNIFIL urgently reminds all actors of their obligations to protect UN personnel and property."
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins visiting UNP 6-52 in 2015. (RollingNews.ie)
On Tuesday, Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris described the news as "extremely welcome."
“The safety of our soldiers is paramount," the Taoiseach said, "and when I spoke to Secretary General Guterres he was completely at one with me on the urgency of the situation.
“I thank the Secretary General for his efforts. It is important to note that our troops are highly trained and professional, and they continue to do their jobs.
“The situation in Southern Lebanon remains tense and dangerous, and we will continue to review and monitor it very closely.”
Thank you to @antonioguterres for your swift action. As we discussed last night, the safety of our soldiers is paramount and I welcome the actions today. Thank you to our peacekeepers who serve with distinction. We are all so proud of you and grateful to you for your service pic.twitter.com/j9zgYFu2MX
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 8, 2024
Ireland's Tanaiste and Minister for Defense Micheál Martin also welcomed the news and paid tribute to the Irish personnel who "continue to serve with distinction."
I’ve been informed by our Defence Forces Chief of Staff and the UN that IDF activity around Post 652 has ceased.
Welcome news. I pay tribute to our personnel who continue to serve with distinction in the interests of peace. https://t.co/xGIbSeLLQl
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 8, 2024
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