Taoiseach condemns killing of Indonesian peacekeeper in Lebanon

Micheál Martin urges respect for peacekeeping forces as tensions rise in region following Israeli and US strikes on Iran

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut's southern suburbs on March 30, 2026. Photograph: Ibrahim Amro/AFP via Getty Images
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut's southern suburbs on March 30, 2026. Photograph: Ibrahim Amro/AFP via Getty Images

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned the killing of an Indonesian peacekeeper in Lebanon.

Tensions have escalated in the region after Israel and the US began bombing Iran more than four weeks ago, which has threatened global supplies of oil and disrupted air travel.

Israel has launched a ground invasion of Lebanon while targeting the Iranian-backed militant group Hizbullah.

On Sunday, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded when a projectile exploded near a village in south Lebanon.

The Taoiseach said all Irish personnel were safe and accounted for.

“I strongly condemn the killing of an Indonesian Unifil peacekeeper and the shocking escalation of violence that has injured a number of peacekeepers in recent days,” he said.

“The role of the peacekeeper must be respected and honoured at all times.

“Both Israel and Hizbullah must do everything in their power to keep peacekeepers from harm.

“I have been briefed by our Defence Forces and all Irish personnel serving in Lebanon continue to be well and accounted for.”

Indonesian Unifil peacekeeper killed in southern LebanonOpens in new window ]

There are more than 360 Irish peacekeepers on a six-month deployment to a United Nations interim force (Unifil) base in southern Lebanon.

The United States and Israel wanted to have UN troops removed from the area in 2026 but an extension to 2027 was agreed after negotiations.

Ireland will have taken part in peacekeeping in Lebanon for almost 50 years by the end of 2027. – PA

Government cannot shield every industry from rising fuel costs, Taoiseach saysOpens in new window ]

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