Department of Defence issues situation update on Irish Defence Forces serving in Israel, Lebanon and Syria

The Department of Defence has issued a situation update on Irish Defence Forces serving in Israel, Lebanon and Syria.

The announcement follows an escalation in violence between Israeli forces and members of the Hamas militia group, which came in the form of a surprise attack launched by Hamas at daybreak on Saturday, October 7 last.

Hamas has taken numerous people of all ages hostage, while one 22-year-old Irish-Israeli woman, Kim Damti, is speculated to be among the hostages.

Commenting on the situation, the Department said that the Irish Defence Forces have personnel serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon, UNDOF in Syria and UNSTO in Lebanon, Syria and Israel.

Regarding personnel serving with UNTSO in Lebanon, Syria and Israel, the Department said: "The Irish personnel serving as UN Observers with UNTSO in Israel, Lebanon and Syria are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the situation.

"They are all safe and well and are complying with UN security precautions.

"This is predominantly focused around considerations to unnecessary travel.

"There are 13 Defence Forces personnel serving with UNTSO."

As for UNDOF personnel in Syria, the Department had this to say: "The Irish troops of the 68th Infantry Group maintain a high degree of vigilance and continue to monitor the situation.

"All non-essential activities are suspended.

"They continue to conduct framework operations congruent with mandate implementation.

"There are 116 personnel currently serving with UNDOF."

Lastly, regarding UNIFIL personnel in Lebanon, the Department said: "The Irish troops of the 122nd Infantry Battalion in UNIFIL went into Groundhog (took shelter in protected positions) today at 1325hrs (GMT) and continue to monitor the situation from protected positions."

According to the Department, this was as a result of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.

The Department continued: "All Irish and Maltese soldiers are accounted for and are safe.

"They remain in Groundhog, but recent reports indicate that the firing is dissipating.

"Once safe to do so they will continue to conduct planned framework operations.

"There are 342 Defence Forces personnel serving with UNIFIL," the Department concluded.