Ireland rejects Israel's demands for UN peacekeepers to withdraw from Lebanon
ft.com — October 6, 2024, 04:00 PM UTC
Ireland has rejected Israel's demands for its UN peacekeeping troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Irish President Michael D. Higgins called the request "outrageous" and emphasized that the peacekeepers will remain despite Israel's intensified air strikes against Hizbollah. Ireland has 347 troops in Lebanon, part of a joint mission with Polish soldiers. Higgins stated that Israel's demand for the entire UNIFIL mission to leave is an insult to both the UN and the peacekeepers. UNIFIL confirmed that peacekeepers will stay in their positions despite Israel's request for relocation. Irish officials maintain that their presence is crucial for diplomacy and humanitarian efforts in the region.