Irish Peacekeepers in Lebanon: A Legacy of Sacrifice Amid Escalating Conflict
For over 60 years, the Irish armed forces have played a pivotal role in UN peacekeeping missions around the globe, with a particular focus on the conflicts in Lebanon. Since 1958, they have dispatched troops to areas of unrest on nearly every continent, maintaining a continuous presence in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978. This longstanding relationship is deeply embedded, to the extent that in sectors where Irish troops operate, local Lebanese citizens have developed an ability to converse in English with pronounced Irish accents.
Currently, the situation has taken a precarious turn. As Israel ramps up its military campaign in Lebanon, approximately 380 Irish troops find themselves caught in the crossfire with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). At a UN base located near the village of Maroun al-Ras, a platoon consisting of 33 Irish soldiers became encircled and cut off from UN headquarters by an Israeli unit. The Israeli forces have allegedly intimidated these young Irish peacekeepers by positioning their battle tanks, armed with 120mm artillery, in a threatening manner.
Coworkers from a nearby Irish-Polish platoon have observed the destruction of the town of Yaroun, highlighting the intensity of the conflict with Hezbollah, which has become increasingly aggressive following Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023. The current circumstances echo the very nature of Irish peacekeeping: they often find themselves as unwitting human shields, tasked with protecting vulnerable Lebanese civilians from all sides of the conflict. Sadly, this mission has resulted in the loss of nearly 50 Irish soldiers over the years.
Ireland's peacekeepers have borne the brunt of violence from both Islamist factions and the IDF, illustrating the harrowing reality of their position in Lebanon. The death of Private Seán Rooney in December 2022, allegedly at the hands of Hezbollah, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers they face. Meanwhile, Amid escalating tensions, Hezbollah's rocket attacks on northern Israel have displaced over 60,000 Israeli civilians.
In retaliation, the IDF has unleashed a brutal campaign against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in reported casualties exceeding 40,000 Gazans, with a disproportionate number of them being innocent civilians, including women and children. The current strikes have further exacerbated fears of a broader regional conflict that might draw in countries such as Iran, underscoring the high stakes involved for the 10,000 troops serving in Unifil, particularly those from Ireland stationed on the front lines.
Reflecting on his service as a peacekeeper in Lebanon, Senator Tom Clonan recalls the devastation witnessed during previous Israeli operations. He vividly remembered the harrowing scene of families unable to flee the violence, including elderly individuals and infants. In their efforts to provide assistance amidst the chaos, Irish peacekeepers opened their doors, sharing scarce resources with frightened civilians.
Historical parallels are drawn with events like the infamous attack on the UN position in Qana, which claimed the lives of more than 100 civilians during an IDF shelling in 1996. Today, the threat seems exacerbated, with the IDF adopting a new military strategy that results in indiscriminate fire—and in result, tragically high rates of civilian casualties.
The continuous bombardment has led to injuries among UN peacekeepers, showcasing the inherited dangers that accompany their duty in volatile regions. The Irish troops are left with little more than the responsibility to observe, document, and report the unfolding events as they navigate the perils of the battlefield, ever hopeful that their presence will save lives and secure their safe return home to their families.
As the complexities of the conflict deepen, the dedication and sacrifices of the Irish peacekeepers remain a testament to their commitment to preserving peace and aiding those caught in the crossfire. As Senator Clonan poignantly puts it, 'Blessed are the peacekeepers.'
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