MOST Irish UN troops were sheltering in underground bunkers last night as Israel" artillery continued its barrage against towns and villages in southern Lebanon, Frank McNally writes.
Soldiers who patrolled the Irish-controlled area during a break in the shelling yesterday afternoon reported no casualties, and damage confined mainly to the outskirts of towns and rural areas. But after nightfall, Irish troops were observing UNIFIL orders to stay off the roads.
Off-duty troops had been ordered into the custom-made underground bunkers since early yesterday morning, while those still manning the Army's 20 observation posts attempted to cope with a major influx of refugees.
Speaking from Tibnin last night, Comdt Billy Harrington told The Irish Times that up to 1,000 Lebanese refugees were being provided with food and shelter "as part of our humanitarian role
The Israelis were still shelling as he spoke, he added, but Tibnin had not been as heavily hit as other towns in the area.
Meanwhile, Israel's ambassador to Ireland, Mr Zvi Gabay, said his government was taking all possible precautions to avoid casualties among civilians and UNIFIL personnel.
"Our fight is against Hizbullah and their infrastructure, and we're taking every precaution to hit only Hizbullah targets. But this is a war, and in war bystanders can be hit," he said.