The orphanage at Tibnin has been protected through the fighting by the Irish troops, who have also provided it with necessary supplies. Dr Mary Murphy conducts clinics in the barracks and in the villages. When farmers in the occupied zone wanted to work in their small fields, the Irish troops would take positions around them to protect them from hostile fire. Sadly, not all civilians have been spared and we went reluctantly to Qana to visit the site where 106 civilians were killed by Israeli shells. We were left numb by the scene.
War degrades, peacekeeping dignifies.
It was a good time to visit the troops in Lebanon. Signs of hope instead of sounds of shells filled the air. Children's voices are once again heard in Attiri which for years was left with only elderly residents. As our vehicle turned a dusty corner into the town, the first person to be seen was a young mother holding her baby. Round the next corner children waved enthusiastically at the UN vehicles.