Stephen Mac Eoin News Today

Since November, Irish peacekeepers have had to retreat for cover in bunkers hundreds of times, sometimes multiple times a day and for periods of up to seven hours

Those manning a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon camp have become used to the regular descents underground to escape potential missiles

Irish peacekeepers based in southern Lebanon have had to take cover in defensive bunkers hundreds of times in recent months due to nearby explosions.

Micheal Martin visited troops in Debel on Sunday

A commanding officer said there was concern that peacekeeping forces could get caught up in the crossfire of exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel.

A commanding officer said there was concern that peacekeeping forces could get caught up in the crossfire of exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel.

A commanding officer said there was concern that peacekeeping forces could get caught up in the crossfire of exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel.

A commanding officer said there was concern that peacekeeping forces could get caught up in the crossfire of exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel.

An uncontrolled escalation of the conflict in Lebanon would have “significant consequences” for the UN peacekeeping mission on which Irish soldiers serve, the former head of the Army Ranger Wing has warned.

Members of the 123rd Infantry Battalion will travel to the Middle East in the coming weeks, prompting the family of one north Cork soldier to celebrate an early Christmas before their loved one heads off to the war torn area.