Tánaiste 'very concerned' by Israeli ground raid

Irish troops based in Lebanon are currently safe, the Tánaiste has said, but he added that he is "very concerned" by Israeli troops starting "ground raids" in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

Mr Martin said the "extraordinary" impact on people by a ground incursion, potentially leaving more than a million people displaced, is "unacceptable".

It comes as Israel has said intense fighting erupted with Hezbollah in south Lebanon after its paratroopers, commandos and armoured units launched raids at the start of a ground incursion.

The vast majority of Irish citizens in Lebanon have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs over the past few weeks, the Tánaiste has said.

''It could be up to 140 or 150 [Irish] citizens in Lebanon,'' Mr Martin said.

''We have repeatedly and insistently said to our citizens in Lebanon to leave when there is an opportunity.

"There are still some commercial flights flying out of Beirut airport so we would still urge people to do everything that they can to leave at the airport if that is still possible," he said.

"We understand that staying put in some instances can be safer than moving given the intermittent fighting and the bombing that has occurred.''

The Defence Forces has said that while the situation in Lebanon is "tense" all Irish personnel based there remain safe and accounted for.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said: "Following the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

"We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground," Lt Gen Clancy said.

"While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility."

The Tánaiste has said the Israeli incursion is not happening in the area where Irish troops are based with the United Nations force.

''I spoke to our Chief of Staff last night as news of the limited incursion was beginning to break. It's in a different area as to where our troops are located.

"Obviously the escalation heightens concerns, but they are safe, they are professional soldiers.

"UNIFIL is doing everything it can at command level to make sure that the peacekeepers are protected in light of the escalation that is occurring'.'

Mr Martin again urged all sides to deescalate and said there is an obligation on all actors to stop firing rockets.

Additional reporting Press Association