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 do the differing responses from global leaders regarding the International Criminal Court’s actions impact efforts towards conflict resolution in the Israel-Palestine situation?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen a significant escalation in hostilities in Lebanon, particularly involving the Unifil base that houses Italian peacekeepers. What are your thoughts on the recent rocket attacks?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attacks on the Unifil base are indeed alarming and demonstrate a troubling disregard for international law and the safety of peacekeeping forces. Such actions undermine the stability in the region and raise serious questions about the security of international personnel working to maintain peace.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has voiced strong condemnation of these attacks, calling them unacceptable. How do you think this will affect Italy’s involvement in the Unifil mission moving forward?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy’s response is expected, given the circumstances. The government has emphasized its commitment to peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon, but this incident may lead to increased scrutiny of their missions. If such attacks continue, it could compel Italy to reassess its military presence and operational strategies within the Unifil framework.
**Interviewer:** The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials accused of war crimes in Gaza. The response from various leaders has been mixed, with U.S. President Biden labeling it “scandalous.” How do you see this division affecting international reactions to the Israel-Palestine conflict?
**Dr. Rossi:** The division among Western powers highlights a deep-rooted complexity in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Biden’s strong support for Israel illustrates the strategic alliance between the U.S. and Israel, which likely influences how western nations view similar global justice efforts. This division may hinder unified international responses to violations of human rights and complicate diplomatic negotiations aimed at long-term peace.
**Interviewer:** What are the broader implications of these events for peace in the Middle East?
**Dr. Rossi:** These events serve to deepen existing tensions between various factions in the region and can derail efforts toward a peaceful resolution. The attacks on peacekeepers and the international legal actions against Israeli leaders indicate that stability is fragile. Moving forward, it will be crucial for international actors to engage in dialogue and to reinforce the importance of respecting international law to prevent further escalation and potential regrets about missed opportunities for peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi. Your insights are invaluable during these turbulent times.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me.
