Mon Sep 23 18:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Ireland Condemns Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon, Calls for De-escalation
**New York, NY -** Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris has strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, calling them a “blatant disregard for international law” and accusing Israel of giving “no consideration to the protections for civilians.”
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Harris expressed deep concern over the reported deaths of at least 21 children caught in the conflict. He emphasized that “a child’s cry is the same in any language,” highlighting the tragic human cost of the escalating violence.
Mr. Harris also criticized the lack of a “targeted response to terrorism,” referencing reports of civilian casualties. He reiterated Ireland’s call for a de-escalation of the situation in the Middle East, expressing fears of a potential “all-out war.”
The Tánaiste stressed his ongoing daily communication with Irish peacekeeping troops deployed in the region, assuring their safety. Meanwhile, a UN envoy has issued a plea for calm, warning that the region is on the brink of catastrophe.
These statements come amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter firing a barrage of rockets at Israel. Images of smoke rising from the Lebanese town of Khiam following an Israeli bombing have underscored the gravity of the situation.
First Piper 