Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Matt Carthy TD, has condemned a rocket attack which struck Camp Shamrock, the primary base of Irish peacekeepers deployed to South Lebanon.

Following the attack, understood to have been a Hezbollah rocket intended to strike Israel, Deputy Carthy stated that ‘the only mechanism by which we can secure the safety and wellbeing of peacekeepers and civilians in the region is through the urgent delivery of a ceasefire and the full implementation of international law’.

Teachta Carthy said:

“The safety of the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces deployed as part of the United Nations missions to south Lebanon should be the chief priority of government. 

“Israel has now expanded its Genocidal campaign from Gaza to Lebanon and the international community, including the Irish government, must reconsider their failed soft touch, largely rhetorical, rebukes of a rogue Israeli regime.

“Israel acts with impunity because it has never been held to account.

“While welcoming that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have finally ceased blocking the Occupied Territories Bill, that they have done so on the eve of a general election will be viewed cynically by many.

“There yet remains time for Ireland to pass this crucial legislation before the Dáil is dissolved.

“Government should avail themselves of this opportunity.  Sinn Féin will facilitate the passage of this legislation and other sanctions against Israel next week.”