Statement by the Taoiseach on the situation in Lebanon

Israel must stop firing on UN peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon. Israel must listen to the voice and the concerns of the international community.

President Biden and I discussed the situation when we met in the White House this week, and agreed that those who serve in Blue Helmets on behalf of the UN must always be afforded full protection. I also discussed the matter directly with the Secretary General of the United Nations.

I look forward to discussing the situation with EU colleagues, especially those who also have members of their Defences Forces serving in UNIFIL, at next week's meeting of the European Council.

I will be calling for an immediate ceasefire that can allow us to focus on implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and get people back to their homes.

ENDS