Lebanese Court Sentences Man Death Over Killing Irish UN Peacekeeper

Lebanon's military court has sentenced Mohammad Ayyad to death in absentia for the killing of Irish UN peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney in December 2022. Rooney was shot when a UNIFIL convoy came under fire in south Lebanon, an area known for Hezbollah's presence. Ayyad, who was arrested in December 2022 and later released on health grounds in late 2023, has not appeared in court since. The court also imposed fines and shorter prison sentences on other defendants, while acquitting one individual. Irish officials have expressed frustration over the slow judicial process and the leniency of sentences for other accused, emphasizing the Irish government's determination to see justice served. Hezbollah members were accused of involvement in the attack, though the group has denied any role.