President Michael D Higgins expressed his indignation at the Israeli Defence Forces for endangering the lives of Irish peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon. On the first anniversary of the Hamas-led strike, which devastated the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival in Israel on October 7th of the previous year, the President vociferously denounced the increasing violence in the Middle East. He also voiced his concern over the imminent threat to members of the Irish Defence Forces present in the conflict-prone zone.
As the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, he empathised with the trepidation the troops and other concerned Irish nationals may be experiencing during this tense period. The Irish comprises 347 peacekeepers out of a total of 10,000 Unifil soldiers.
In a shocking turn of events, Israel had requested the removal of peacekeepers stationed at the Lebanese border outpost, a proposal that was firmly rejected both by Ireland and Unifil. President Higgins called this demand to evacuate the post “an outrage,” interpreting it as a challenge to the entire Unifil force operating under UN mandates.
In his comments on Saturday, President Higgins highlighted the risk the Defence Forces personnel are undertaking and the sacrifices their families are making for protecting defenceless civilians in southern Lebanese hamlets.
Expressing his thoughts on their safety and continuous provision, President Higgins labelled the demand as an affront both to the global institution committed to by 193 members and to the soldiers and their families who are braving risks for the sake of peace and the defence of the vulnerable.
He believed that the bravery shown by their contingent and colleagues would certainly resonate with all those individuals who appreciate peace both domestically and internationally. The President also commemorated the October month as a time of mourning, reflecting on those tragically lost in the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival in Israel.
President Higgins voiced his dismay over the horrific acts of murder and abduction committed by Hamas, causing constant worry for the safety of many in their loved ones’ hearts. He asserted that such actions, as well as the subsequent atrocities of mass punishment, retribution, and obliteration of living conditions, including children’s health and education, should never have taken place. Highlighting the significance of preventing further loss and disfigurement of life, he referred to the events that transpired last October and continued in the succeeding months.