VATICAN CITY.— This Sunday, the papa Francisco He asked for “respect” for the UN peacekeepers in Lebanonafter the recent israeli attacksurged again a ceasefire in the Middle East and said that war is a defeat “especially for those who believe they are invincible.”
I follow with concern what is happening in the Middle East, and I ask, once again, for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts. Let the paths of diplomacy and dialogue be followed to obtain peace!
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex_es) October 13, 2024
“I ask once again for an immediate ceasefire” and that “on all fronts the paths of diplomacy and dialogue be followed to obtain peace,” the pontiff prayed at the end of the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square before thousands of faithful.
Pope Francis showed his “closeness” to “all the populations involved, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, “where,” he said then, “I ask that the peace forces of the United Nations be respected.”
He also assured that he prays “for all the victims, for the displaced, for the hostages who I wish to see immediately released” and expressed his hope that “this great and useless suffering generated by hatred and revenge will end soon.”
“War is an illusion, a defeat, it will never bring peace or security. “It is a defeat for everyone, especially for those who believe they are invincible,” he said, before begging: “Please stop.”
The holy father was alluding to recent Israeli attacks against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) in which five blue helmets were injured in the last two days.
These attacks have received international condemnation and last Friday the leaders of the Governments of Spain, France and Italy expressed their indignation and described them as “unjustifiable” and a “serious violation” of Israel’s obligations and international humanitarian law.
Giorgia Meloni called on Benjamin Netanyahu to guarantee the security of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon
Prime Minister Meloni calls Netanyahu and says that the attacks on Unifil are unacceptable!
Is the extermination of 42 thousand Palestinians acceptable?
Two weights and two measures!
Netanyahu is a war criminal and Israel’s worst enemy.Jabalia destroyed by bombing pic.twitter.com/eCDUdfjR62
— Angelo Bonelli (@AngeloBonelli1) October 13, 2024
The italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloniurged his Israeli counterpart this Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahuthat the safety of the personnel of the UN peacekeepers in the south of Lebanon (FINL) “is guaranteed at all times”, following the Israeli attacks that have caused at least 5 injuries on that continent.
Meloni reiterated to Netanyahu, in a telephone conversation, “the unacceptability of UNIFIL being attacked by the Israeli Armed Forces, recalling how the mission acts under a mandate from the Security Council to contribute to regional stability,” the presidency indicated. of the Executive.
And “he stressed the absolute need for the safety of UNIFIL personnel to be guaranteed at all times,” he added in a statement.
Furthermore, Meloni renewed “Italy’s commitment in this regard, being convinced that through the full implementation of resolution 1701 it can contribute to the stabilization of the border between Israel and Lebanon and guarantee the return to their homes of all people.” displaced.”
The conversation comes shortly after Netanyahu called UNIFIL “human shields” for the Shiite group Hezbollah, after five peacekeepers were wounded by Israeli fire in the past three days.
The refusal to “evict UNIFIL soldiers makes them hostages of Hezbollah. This endangers their lives and those of our soldiers,” said the president, who assured that Israel has requested the withdrawal of the blue helmets on several occasions.
In recent days, UNIFIL reported that five of its soldiers have been injured in incidents attributed to Israel, whose Army invaded southern Lebanon almost two weeks ago to fight with the Lebanese group.
For three weeks, Israel has been carrying out an intense bombing campaign against the south and east of Lebanon, as well as against Beirut, which has caused the death of more than a thousand people.
You might also be interested: “More victims from Israeli bombings in Lebanon”
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Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, International Relations Expert and Author
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. Pope Francis recently spoke out against the violence escalating in the Middle East and specifically called for respect for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Why is this emphasis on UN peacekeepers significant in the current climate?
Dr. Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. The role of UN peacekeepers, particularly in conflict zones like Lebanon, is vital for maintaining stability and ensuring humanitarian support. Pope Francis’s call for respect for these forces underscores the vulnerability they face, especially amidst escalating hostilities. It signals to the international community that protecting these peacekeepers is paramount in safeguarding peace efforts.
Editor: During his remarks, the Pope urged an “immediate ceasefire” and highlighted the futility of war. In your view, what impact do statements like his have on international diplomacy?
Dr. Gonzalez: Such statements can act as a moral compass. They encourage dialogue and put pressure on governments to seek diplomatic resolutions rather than military ones. While they may not always lead directly to action, they foster an environment where peace efforts can be rekindled. The Pope’s platform is significant, as his words can resonate with millions, including policymakers.
Editor: The recent attacks on UN peacekeepers by the Israeli military have drawn international condemnation. How do you see the balance of military action and international law playing out in this context?
Dr. Gonzalez: International law mandates the protection of UN personnel and the maintenance of peace in conflict zones. The attacks on peacekeepers not only violate these laws but also weaken the credence of military operations in addressing security issues. Countries like Italy, Spain, and France are expressing their concerns, emphasizing that such actions against UN forces are unacceptable, which is crucial for maintaining international standards.
Editor: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also urged Netanyahu to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers. What does this indicate about international relations in the region?
Dr. Gonzalez: It reflects a growing solidarity among European nations concerning Israel’s military policies in Lebanon. Prime Minister Meloni’s approach shows a balance between supporting Israel’s right to defense while also holding it accountable for its actions that endanger international peacekeeping missions. This dual approach is vital for fostering stability and espousing adherence to international humanitarian law.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights on this complex issue. It seems that the call for peace and respect for international law remains more crucial than ever.
Dr. Gonzalez: Absolutely. Open dialogue and respect for international principles are essential for resolving such entrenched conflicts. Thank you for the conversation!
Y have drawn widespread condemnation. How do you think this affects the perception of Israel’s military actions on the global stage?
Dr. Gonzalez: The attacks on UN peacekeepers are unequivocally damaging to Israel’s image. They create a narrative of aggression and disregard for international law, which can undermine support for Israel’s position both regionally and globally. Such incidents generate condemnation not just from international leaders but also from civil society groups, further complicating Israel’s diplomatic relationships. The Pope’s remarks tie into this by framing these actions within a broader call for peace and respect for humanitarian missions, affecting public opinion and potentially swaying future diplomatic engagement.
Editor: Lastly, what do you believe is the most urgent action needed in response to the Pope’s call for ceasefire and peace talks in the Middle East?
Dr. Gonzalez: The most urgent action is for all involved parties to genuinely commit to dialogue without preconditions. A ceasefire is crucial, but it must be backed by a willingness to engage in comprehensive discussions about long-term peace solutions. Additionally, the international community must step up its role as mediators, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need while promoting peace initiatives. The Pope’s call can serve as a catalyst for this, but it requires sustained effort and commitment from all stakeholders.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights on this critical situation. Your expertise helps shed light on the importance of diplomacy and humanitarian considerations in times of conflict.
Dr. Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. It has been a pleasure discussing these important issues.
