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'Difficult days ahead', says Irish man staying in Lebanon

More than 100 Irish citizens are in Lebanon
More than 100 Irish citizens are in Lebanon

The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish citizens in Lebanon to leave on commercial flights while it is still possible as the Israeli bombardment of the country intensifies.

More than 100 Irish citizens are in Lebanon and some are struggling to leave during the escalation of the conflict.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Government is monitoring the situation in relation to the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, adding there are plans in place for all eventualities.

"This is extraordinarily dangerous, extraordinarily dangerous, and the direction of travel here is really worrying," he said.

"It's really worrying in terms of stability in the region. It's really worrying in terms of civilians. We've already seen so many civilians, including children, caught up in brutality and in war," he added.

However, Mr Harris said that as of now, there is no information that suggests a peacekeeping mission cannot continue.

'Endure some really difficult days ahead'

The advice for Irish citizens is to leave Lebanon while it is still possible, but for some that is not an easy decision.

Cian Ward said it is "tragic" for people who must give up their lives and leave people behind

Cian Ward, an Irish journalist in Lebanon, has chosen to stay due to the life he has built with his Syrian-Lebanese girlfriend in the village of Achrafieh.

He said it is "tragic" for people who must give up their lives and leave people behind.

Mr Ward added that it is also difficult for those who stay "knowing there is a good chance they are going to have to endure some really difficult days ahead".

Ghadir Zabad and her family are struggling to leave Lebanon after travelling to Beirut from Co Kilkenny.

They were due to leave last week, however, the 24-year-old said they have had two flights cancelled already.

But Ms Zabad said they are hopeful that another flight booked for this Friday will take off.

She said the uncertainty is very difficult for them and other families who are "stuck" and waiting in shelters amid risks of further violence.

Maeve Murphy, the head of the UNHCR office in Tripoli, said it is not easy for the general public who are trying to leave Lebanon as few airlines are operating out of the country.

During this tense time, Irish charities remain active with their staff on the ground across Lebanon.

Concern said it is supporting thousands of people who are displaced and working with other agencies to provide emergency shelter.

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The Department of Foreign Affairs said it continues to monitor the situation in Lebanon, adding that it is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict over recent days

It is also advising Irish citizens in Lebanon to be aware that if the security situation deteriorates, they may be limited in the assistance they can provide.

It is calling on those who cannot leave to register with the Irish embassy in Cairo.

It is understood that there are no plans for the Irish peacekeepers who are currently serving in Lebanon to be removed.

Additional reporting Mícheál Lehane