The bases of the Unifil mission in southern Lebanon are back under attack. The Italian headquarters in Shama was hit again. This time there are injuries, four, fortunately not life-threatening. In the early hours of the day, the mission announced, two 122 mm rockets hit a bunker and a logistics area used by the international military police, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure. One of the structures caught fire, but the flames were quickly put out. Due to the explosion, some glass shattered, hitting the four soldiers belonging to the Sassari Brigade, who immediately received treatment at the base hospital. Recalling that “any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law and of UN Security Council Resolution 1701”, Unifil, which evoked the responsibility of Hezbollah or affiliated groups, urged the parties struggling to avoid fighting near its positions: “Deliberate or accidental attacks against peacekeepers must cease immediately.”
The attack sparked outrage from the Italian government. Our contingent “remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks”, commented Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, informing that he had immediately contacted the headquarters to ensure the conditions of the military, “it is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been hit”. Crosetto then announced that he wanted to “speak with the new Israeli Defense Minister, which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield”. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni learned the news of the new attacks “with profound indignation and concern” and reiterated “once again” that “they are unacceptable”. Meloni then renewed the appeal “so that the parties on the ground guarantee, at all times, the safety of the Unifil soldiers and collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani remarked that, “just as we told Israel to pay maximum attention, we say it equally firmly to Hezbollah. The Italian military cannot be touched”, “Hezbollah learns to use weapons, which evidently he doesn’t know how to use and causes damage.” “Intolerable criminal acts” is the summary of the Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, who asked “at the same time that the government report as soon as possible on the initiatives that are being adopted for the ceasefire”. A firm condemnation of the attacks, which represent “a serious and unacceptable violation of international law”, also came from the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell.
And the announcement by the International Criminal Court in The Hague of the issuing of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes and against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The West appears divided on the decision and its possible application. US President Joe Biden defined it as “scandalous”, “whatever the ICC may insinuate, there is no equivalence, none, between Israel and Hamas. We will always be at Israel’s side against threats to its security”. While President-elect Donald Trump, according to Israeli media, is considering personal sanctions against the chief prosecutor of the ICC Karim Khan and the judges who issued the warrants. Viktor Orban is also ready to challenge the Hague Court. The Hungarian prime minister confirmed that the mandate “will not be respected” and invited Netanyahu to the country. The German government “takes note” of the sentence, adding that it will evaluate “further steps” only “when a visit to Germany by Netanyahu and Gallant is foreseeable”. Paris also takes note of the ICC’s decision, reiterating loyalty “to its long-standing commitment to supporting international justice”, but without specifying whether it will carry out arrests if the two accused were to enter French territory. Madrid and London, however, have assured that they are ready to execute the arrest warrants. Moscow is indifferent. The Kremlin has made it known that it considers the Hague decisions to be “insignificant” and of no legal value, considering that an arrest warrant has also been issued against Putin. Beijing instead hopes that the Court “maintains an objective and impartial position and exercises its powers in accordance with the law and in accordance with the unified standards, and that it fully and in good faith interprets and applies the Rome Statute and the laws general”.
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How might international legal actions, like those taken by the International Criminal Court, influence the dynamics of conflict and peacekeeping efforts moving forward?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Russo, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Russo. Given the recent attacks on the UNIFIL base in Lebanon, what implications do you believe this has for international peacekeeping efforts?
**Dr. Russo:** Thank you for having me. The attacks on the UNIFIL base highlight some pressing issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. Such deliberate attacks on international forces are not just a violation of international law; they signal a growing instability in the region that puts both peacekeepers and civilians at risk. The fact that four Italian soldiers were injured shows that peacekeepers are increasingly being targeted, which could undermine their mission.
**Interviewer:** Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed that it’s intolerable for peacekeepers to be attacked. What can Italy, and the international community as a whole, do to protect these forces?
**Dr. Russo:** Italy’s response is very important. They must increase diplomatic pressure on all parties involved in the conflict to respect the neutrality of peacekeepers. Internationally, there may need to be a re-evaluation of the mandate and the operational strategy of UNIFIL to ensure that peacekeepers can safely execute their missions. Additionally, enhancing intelligence-sharing and security measures could help mitigate the risks.
**Interviewer:** Regarding the International Criminal Court’s recent issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli officials, how does this impact the ongoing conflict?
**Dr. Russo:** This move complicates the situation significantly. It can be viewed as a legitimization of the Palestinian narrative, which can inflame tensions further. While the court’s actions may be founded on legal grounds, they do risk portraying a divide among Western allies, particularly between the U.S. and the EU regarding Israel. The reactions from leaders like President Biden indicate a steadfast commitment to Israel’s security, but it also raises questions about accountability for actions taken in conflict.
**Interviewer:** There seems to be a division in the West over the ICC’s decision. How could this affect diplomatic relations going forward?
**Dr. Russo:** The division could lead to a fracturing of traditional alliances. If the U.S. continues to support Israel unconditionally, while European nations call for accountability, it may lead to increased tensions within NATO and other alliances. Furthermore, how other countries view the legitimacy of the ICC will shape future diplomatic relationships. There will likely be debates on the legitimacy of international justice versus national sovereignty, especially in conflict situations.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you think are the key takeaways for global leaders from these recent developments?
**Dr. Russo:** Global leaders need to prioritize dialog and diplomacy over military options to de-escalate tensions. They should also recognize the fragility of peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. Ensuring the protection of such missions is critical for maintaining some semblance of order. The situation in Lebanon serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when peacekeepers are not respected, and it demands a reassessment of how states engage in conflict and accountability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Russo, for sharing your insights with us today.
**Dr. Russo:** You’re welcome! It’s always a pleasure to discuss these crucial global issues.
