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A picture of armoured vehicles of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

UNIFIL slams Israeli drone attack near peacekeepers

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon said that Israeli drones dropped four grenades near peacekeepers in "one of the most serious attacks" on its personnel since a November ceasefire.

Middle East • 03 Sep

Two soldiers watch as a car passes by them in Lebanon

Harris seeks EU support for Lebanon army training mission

The Tánaiste is to propose a new initiative to support southern Lebanon, which could see EU countries work together in the coming months to train, equip and build up the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Middle East • 29 Aug

UNIFIL vehicles in transit after an Israeli airstrike in Hiyam

The troubled history of Irish involvement in Lebanon

Ireland's relationship with Lebanon goes back as far as 1958, when a team of 50 officers was deployed there.

Analysis and Comment • 28 Aug

One of the armoured vehicles of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeepers patrols in the Buwayda region of Marjayoun in southern Lebanon

US to back extending UN peacekeeping mandate in Lebanon

US envoy Tom Barrack has said that his country would approve the extension of United Nations peacekeepers' mandate in Lebanon for one more year.

World • 26 Aug

Ireland's participation in UNIFIL dates back to 1978

UN Security Council vote on Lebanon peacekeepers delayed

An expected UNSC vote on the future of the blue helmet peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon, which has faced US and Israeli opposition, has been pushed back as negotiations continue.

World • 26 Aug

UNIFIL forces inspect the damage in the village of Kfar Shuba in southern Lebanon in February (file image)

UNIFIL reports Israeli fire near its peacekeeping post

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said that direct fire from the Israeli army had hit the perimeter of one of its peacekeeping positions in south Lebanon.

Middle East • 14 May

(L-R) Airwoman Ruth Byrne and her father, Flight Sergeant Luke Byrne, are deploying to Lebanon

Father, daughter among Irish troops deploying to Lebanon

A father and daughter are among the next group of Irish soldiers who will deploy on the UNIFIL mission in south Lebanon.

Ireland • 17 Apr

Irish peacekeepers pictured during the visit of Tánaiste Simon Harris to 'Camp Shamrock'

Stepping into adversity in southern Lebanon

The Officer Commanding the 125th Battalion in Lebanon believes his soldiers' hard graft will pay off, as they assist the Lebanese put some order on their lives, writes Paul Cunningham.

World • 27 Mar

Private Seán Rooney suffered fatal gunshot wounds after his UN convoy was attacked by armed militia linked to Hezbollah

Trial over killing of Seán Rooney postponed to September

The trial of those indicted of killing Private Seán Rooney, who was shot dead while on peacekeeping duties in southern Lebanon, has been postponed again - this time until 17 September.

Ireland • 12 Feb

Private Rooney was killed while serving with UNIFIL, the UN mission in Lebanon, on 14 December 2022

UN says new info will be shared with family of peacekeeper

Further information about the incident that led to the death of Private Seán Rooney will be made available to his family, the United Nations has said.

Ireland • 14 Dec 24

The Irish troops had spent six months on deployment in Lebanon

Joy for families as Irish peacekeepers arrive home

Irish troops serving in Lebanon have arrived back in Ireland following a six month deployment with UNIFIL.

Ireland • 25 Nov 24

Imagery related to the Irish UNIFIL zone in South Lebanon. (Images: Planet Labs, IDF, Andrew Fox)

Irish UNIFIL Zone: IDF advance looms as Hezbollah tunnels exposed

Almost every building has been destroyed or damaged in the town on the main route into the Irish UN peacekeepers' main base in South Lebanon, new data and imagery shows.

Prime Time • 12 Nov 24

UNIFIL said that Israel used excavators and a bulldozer to destroy part of a fence and concrete structure at a peacekeeping position in southern Lebanon (Pic: UNIFIL)

UNIFIL: Israel's destruction of its property breaches law

The United Nations' peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has said that the Israeli military's "deliberate and direct destruction" of its property is a "flagrant violation" of international law.

Middle East • 08 Nov 24

There are hundreds of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon

Camp Shamrock struck by rocket, Irish peacekeepers safe

There has been "minimal damage" after Camp Shamrock, where hundreds of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon are based, was struck by a rocket last night.

Middle East • 31 Oct 24

Imagery used during verification and geolocation processes

Irish UNIFIL area: How journalists monitor events in a war zone

As the conflict in Lebanon ramps up, Irish peacekeepers are caught between two warring parties. With independent information difficult to ascertain, media monitoring and verification have become crucial to the reporting process.

Prime Time • 17 Oct 24

Simon Harris said he sought the advice of the Attorney General in August (file pic)

AG to advise on unilateral trade measures against Israel

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the Attorney General will advise the Government next week if the ICJ's advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories gives Ireland the option of taking unilateral measures against Israel, possibly including trade, which is an EU competence.

Politics • 16 Oct 24

Last week Israeli soldiers took up positions close to an outpost UNP 6-52 - which is manned by 30 Irish troops

Targeting of UNIFIL 'unacceptable', says Irish commander

The commander of Irish peacekeepers in south Lebanon has said the targeting and injuring of United Nations soldiers is "totally unacceptable".

Middle East • 14 Oct 24

Lt Col Seán Ó Fátharta says there are no plans yet for troops to move, but that contingency plans are in place (file image)

Irish UNIFIL troops safe and morale high, says officer

A Senior Irish Officer in UNIFIL and the Deputy Force Commander of Sector West has said all Irish personnel in Lebanon are accounted for and safe, adding that morale is high.

Middle East • 30 Sep 24

Thirty Irish peacekeepers are stationed at UNP-652 on the Lebanon-Israel border.

Watch: Life at a UN outpost on the Lebanon-Israel border

What's life like for Irish soldiers based at a remote outpost on one of the most volatile frontiers in the Middle East?

Middle East • 01 Mar 24

Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon say they are taking precautions to protect themselves

Irish peacekeepers observe Israel use white phosphorus

Civic leaders in southern Lebanon have raised fears for the safety of civilians due to the use by Israel of the chemical weapon white phosphorus along the border between Israel and Lebanon.

Middle East • 29 Feb 24

A Mowag armoured personnel carrier at Camp Shamrock in Lebanon

Watch: On patrol with Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon

What is it like to drive one of the armoured personnel carriers used by Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon?

Middle East • 29 Feb 24

Lt. Col Stephen Mac Eoin said Irish troops are preparing any any further escalation in violence

Irish troops preparing for rise in violence in Lebanon

The battalion commander in charge of Irish and Polish peacekeepers in south Lebanon has said his troops are preparing for an escalation of violence between Hezbollah militants and Israel.

World • 28 Feb 24

Irish peacekeepers took shelter shortly before 8am

Irish troops in Lebanon take shelter amid rocket fire

Irish peacekeepers in South Lebanon were sent to bunkers this morning after rocket fire close to Camp Shamrock.

Ireland • 27 Feb 24

UN armoured vehicles are seen at Camp Shamrock

Watch: Camp Shamrock - home for Irish troops in Lebanon

Two distant bangs greeted us shortly after our arrival at UN base UNP 2-45, better known as Camp Shamrock, writes Justin McCarthy from Lebanon.

Ireland • 27 Feb 24

Trooper Kearney pictured serving in Lebanon (Image: Defence Forces)

Irish UNIFIL soldier to be discharged from hospital

Trooper Shane Kearney, who was injured following an attack on a UNIFIL convoy in Lebanon last December, is being discharged from hospital today.

Ireland • 03 Feb 23