Vol. 434 No. 3
92 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, that were made to the Israeli authorities regarding their massive bombardment of Southern Lebanon at the end of July 1993, which resulted in a number of strikes on Irish UN positions and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians; the response, if any, that was received from the Israeli Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The safety of Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL in South Lebanon is a matter of paramount concern to the Government and is kept under careful review. It is also the subject of regular discussions with the Israeli authorities, who are fully aware of the importance we attach to the question.
On 26 July 1993, I issued a statement expressing the Government's grave concern at the Israeli Defence Forces' attacks across Lebanon the previous day and I deplored the loss of life resulting from these actions, as well as from the attacks against Northern Israel from inside Lebanon.
On the same day, and on the basis of my statement and of information received from the Defence Forces on the situation on the ground, my Department protested to the Israeli authorities. The Government's concern at the behaviour of the Israeli Defence Forces and the de facto forces in the Irish Battalion's area of operations was particularly underlined.
