UN says Israeli attacks in South Lebanon are putting peacekeepers at 'very serious risk'

The Defence Forces have confirmed that all Irish personnel currently deployed on peacekeeping duty in South Lebanon are well and accounted for following further incidents involving Israeli troops.

According to UNIFIL, its Naqoura headquarters was affected by explosions for the second time in the last 48 hours, on Friday morning.

"Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower. One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is being treated in Naqoura," read a statement.

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Separately, it added that several T-walls at the UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell earlier "when an IDF caterpillar hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position."

The peacekeepers, who are not part of the Irish deployment, remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.

"These incidents put again UN peacekeepers, who are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the Security Council under resolution 1701 (2006), at very serious risks. This is a serious development, and UNIFIL reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times.  Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006)."

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces has confirmed that all Irish personnel are "well and accounted for".

In a statement they said: "Our troops have not been directly affected by incoming fire and all necessary force protection measures are being diligently observed to ensure their safety."

The Defence Forces says its personnel "are resolute in their commitment to peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon" and that they serve as "crucial observers and facilitators of humanitarian aid, contributing significantly to international efforts aimed at restoring peace and security".