Concerns are growing over the safety of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon, so what is the current situation like?
It comes after reports that Israeli forces fired at three United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) positions.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has raised “serious concern” with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog after Israeli forces fired on UN peacekeeping posts in southern Lebanon.
Mr Harris and Mr Herzog held a phone call on Monday, where the Government said the Taoiseach emphasised that Unifil’s role and mandate should be fully respected.
There are currently 379 Irish Defence Forces personnel serving with the UN’s Unifil mission in south Lebanon.
This week, Harris will travel to Brussels to attend the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit on Wednesday and the European Council on Thursday.
"The Middle East will be on the agenda," Harris said.
He said he will be engaging with other EU member states serving with Unifil in Lebanon to ensure that Irish peacekeepers are "fully protected" and that the EU sends "a strong signal of support" for Unifil and for the UN more generally.
Have Irish troops been injured?
The Irish Defence Forces confirmed on Sunday that all Irish Peacekeepers are accounted for and well.
"The situation around Irish positions remains relatively calm. This environment has allowed the successful resupply of food and water to UNP 2-45," the Defence Forces said.
"Clashes between both parties to the conflict persist in both the Irish and wider Unifil Area of Operations. Irish peacekeepers continue to monitor and report any violations of UNSCR 1701 by all parties involved, maintaining an independent and impartial stance."
Are the Irish troops likely to be withdrawn?
Earlier this month, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said Ireland cannot unilaterally withdraw from peacekeeping duties in Lebanon.
Martin said the troops were currently bunkered down in camps amid the intensification of hostilities after incursions across the border by Israeli forces.
The Tánaiste highlighted that the Unifil peacekeeping mission involved the co-operation of many nations working together.
He made clear Irish troops would remain part of the mission.
“We’re part of a Unifil peacekeeping mission which involves thousands of troops and many, many countries contributing those troops,” Mr Martin said.
“We’ve seen in the past in environments where troops were unilaterally pulled out, the consequences were terrible.
Harris has said it is "past time" the international community is united, not just in condemnation, but in action to bring the appalling suffering and loss in the Middle East to an end.
"I have repeatedly said that the international community - all countries and organisations - must use all levers at our disposal to bring about a ceasefire and to end the appalling violence in the Middle East. The European Council this week is an important opportunity to deliver a strong and united message."
