The President of Ireland

10/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/05/2024 07:57

Statement by President Higgins on situation in Middle East

Statement by President Higgins on situation in Middle East

Date: Sat 5th Oct, 2024 | 14:50

"The month of October is and will always be a month full of sorrow for so many families.

It will include those innocent people, so many of them young people, horrifically killed while attending the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival in Israel on October 7th, the outrageous murder and assault of so many others by Hamas, and the taking of hostages, the anxiety for the safety of so many of whom is permanently in the hearts of their families.

We should not have come to such events, or the horrific events that followed of collective punishment, vengeance and destruction of the means of habitation, or, for example the education and health of children.

It is so important that we not make further additions to the loss and mutilation of life which occurred last October and which followed in the months since.

At this time as Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, but I am sure as are all Irish citizens, I am thinking of what an anxious time it is for them. Members of the Defence Forces are risking their lives, and their families are making this sacrifice, on behalf of defenceless civilians in southern Lebanese villages. We all daily think of them and the importance of their safety and provisions.

Ireland's contingent of 347 is part of an allocation of 10,000 UNIFIL soldiers. It is outrageous that the Israeli Defence Forces have threatened this peacekeeping force and sought to have them evacuate the villages they are defending. Indeed, Israel is demanding that the entire UNIFIL operating under UN mandates walk away.

This is not only an insult to the most important global institution to which 193 members are committed, but it is also an insult to the soldiers and their families who have taken risks so we might all live in peace and protect the most vulnerable.

I am sure that the courage being displayed by our contingent and their colleagues has the thoughts and prayers of all those who value peace, at home and abroad."

ENDS