The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) for firing shots near Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon, calling the act reckless and a violation of international peacekeeping norms. Fortunately, no Irish personnel were injured; however, this incident raised significant concerns about the safety of peacekeeping forces in a volatile region. The Minister announced a formal protest to Israel and highlighted the dangerous environment faced by the 126th Infantry Battalion operating under the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon, coinciding with International UN Peacekeepers' Day.
"It's clear to me that the actions of the IDF were reckless, intimidatory, totally unacceptable and a clear breach of the international rules surrounding peacekeeping," Mr Harris said.
"While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying," he said.
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