Taoiseach condemns killing of Indonesian peacekeeper in Lebanon

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the killing of an Indonesian peacekeeper in Lebanon.

Tensions have escalated in the region after Israel and the US began bombing Iran more than four weeks ago, which has threatened global supplies of oil and disrupted air travel.

Israel has launched a ground invasion of Lebanon while targeting the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.

On Sunday, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed, and three others were wounded when a projectile exploded near a village in south Lebanon.

I have been briefed by our Defence Forces and all Irish personnel serving in Lebanon continue to be well and accounted forTaoiseach Micheal Martin

The Taoiseach said all Irish personnel were safe and accounted for.

He said: “I strongly condemn the killing of an Indonesian Unifil peacekeeper and the shocking escalation of violence that has injured a number of peacekeepers in recent days.

“The role of the peacekeeper must be respected and honoured at all times.

“Both Israel and Hezbollah must do everything in their power to keep peacekeepers from harm.

“I have been briefed by our Defence Forces and all Irish personnel serving in Lebanon continue to be well and accounted for.”

There are more than 360 Irish peacekeepers on a six-month deployment to a United Nations interim force (Unifil) base in southern Lebanon.

The United States and Israel wanted to have UN troops removed from the area in 2026 but an extension to 2027 was agreed after negotiations.

Ireland will have taken part in peacekeeping in Lebanon for almost 50 years by the end of 2027.