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 does Dr. Rossi perceive the role of international cooperation in addressing attacks on peacekeeping missions like the one in Lebanon?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us today. The recent attack on the UN peacekeeping base in Lebanon that injured four Italian soldiers has generated significant international reactions. How do you assess the response from various governments, particularly Italy’s?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attack on the Unifil base is indeed concerning and underscores the fragile security situation in the region. Italy’s response, particularly from Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reflects a strong commitment to protecting their troops and maintaining peace. Their emphasis on both condemnation of the attacks and the need for cooperation from all parties involved demonstrates a nuanced approach. They are making it clear that peacekeepers should not be targeted, as doing so is a violation of international law.
**Interviewer:** What implications does this incident have for the Unifil mission and international peacekeeping efforts in general?
**Dr. Rossi:** This incident poses challenges for the Unifil mission, which aims to maintain stability in southern Lebanon. Attacks on peacekeepers can undermine the mission’s credibility and effectiveness. It may also hinder the cooperation of other nations willing to contribute to peacekeeping efforts if they perceive their personnel to be at risk. The call by Unifil for all parties to refrain from fighting near peacekeeping positions is crucial and indicates the need for dialogue to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.
**Interviewer:** Moving to the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israeli officials, do you believe this move could impact the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**Dr. Rossi:** Yes, the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity, can further complicate an already complex situation. While the West is divided on this issue, with figures like US President Biden firmly supporting Israel, such actions may embolden Palestinian calls for accountability and could escalate tensions. Ultimately, it reflects a broader struggle over narratives in the conflict, and how these warrant implications are perceived could either hinder or catalyze discussions around peace.
**Interviewer:** In terms of international law, what do you think are the consequences of these recent developments?
**Dr. Rossi:** The attack on the Unifil base and the ICC’s decision are reminders of the fragile nature of international law and the serious consequences of its violation. Countries need to cooperate to uphold international law and protect peacekeepers. Joseph Borrell’s condemnation highlights a collective responsibility to ensure accountability and prevent impunity. However, the political responses show a tendency to prioritize national security agendas over collective international norms, which could lead to a weakening of the legal frameworks intended to protect human rights and maintain peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on these pressing issues.
**Dr. Rossi:** You’re welcome. It’s an evolving situation that requires careful attention and continued dialogue among nations to pave the way for lasting peace and security.