Firing at Unifil positions is breach of international law, Harris tells Israeli president

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Taosieach Simon Harris has raised “serious concern” with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog after Israeli forces fired on UN peacekeeping posts in southern Lebanon.

Mr Harris and Mr Herzog held a phone call on Monday, where the Government said the Taoiseach emphasised that Unifil’s (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) role and mandate should be fully respected.

He is said to have pressed that “the security of Irish peacekeepers serving in the region is paramount”.

The Government added that Mr Harris was clear that the “deliberate firing at Unifil posts is an outrageous and totally unacceptable breach of international law”.

He said it was also “a cause of the deepest concern to the Irish people”, especially the families of the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving in Lebanon.

Mr Harris said that Unifil serves on behalf of the international community, with a clear mandate from the UN Security Council, and that it must be allowed to carry out its functions unimpeded.

He is said to have described the “enormous pride” that Irish people take in the service of Irish peacekeepers, adding that their safety, and that of their Unifil colleagues, is a matter of the highest priority of the Government.

He called for an immediate ceasefire that can allow for implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and the return of people to their homes.

Mr Harris said that Irish people remain “deeply concerned about the appalling loss of life and deepening humanitarian disaster in Gaza” and reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire.

The Taoiseach also expressed the Government’s sincere condolences to the Israeli people on the recent anniversary of the “brutal Hamas attacks on Israel of October 7th.

He also expressed his solidarity with the families and friends of those who continue to be held hostage, adding that they should be released immediately and without condition.