Outrage over yet another episode against the peacekeepers in Lebanon. Four Italian soldiers from the Unifil mission were injured following the launch of two 122 mm rockets fired against the UNP 2-3 base in Shama, in southern Lebanon, which hosts the Italian contingent and the Western Sector Command of Unifil. The military would not be serious. According to the initial reconstruction of the Ministry of Defense, the two rockets hit a bunker on the base and a room near the international military police, causing damage to the surrounding infrastructure. Some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. The two rockets could belong to Hezbollah, as reported by Rainews 24.
“I learn with deep indignation and concern the news of the new attacks suffered by the Italian headquarters of Unifil in southern Lebanon, which also caused the wounding of some of our soldiers engaged in a peacekeeping mission”, states the president of I recommend Giorgia Meloni. “I would like to express my and the Government’s solidarity and closeness to the wounded, their families and sincere gratitude for the activity carried out daily by the entire Italian contingent in Lebanon. I reiterate once again”, continues Meloni, “that such attacks are unacceptable and I renew my appeal for the parties on the ground to guarantee, at all times, the safety of Unifil soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible”.
“I immediately contacted the Commander of the Contingent, Brigadier General Stefano Messina – says the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto – to make sure of the conditions of the four soldiers, who do not cause concern. I also contacted my Lebanese counterpart reiterating that the Italian contingent of Unifil remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks. It is intolerable that once again a Unifil base has been established hit.” “I will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister – he adds – which has been impossible since his inauguration until today, to ask him to avoid using the Unifil bases as a shield. Even more intolerable is the presence of terrorists in Southern Lebanon which jeopardize the safety of the peacekeepers and the civilian population” declared the minister.
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“In wishing a speedy recovery to the four injured Italian soldiers, I would also like to express my total disappointment and my firm condemnation for yet another serious and unacceptable missile launch against the UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon. Finally, our gratitude goes to all our women and men in uniform, engaged under the aegis of the UN in a very delicate area of the Middle East”, commented Ignazio La Russa, president of the Senate of the Republic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Sky Tg 24 about the soldiers involved: “It seems that none of these have serious injuries. They are bruises, only one lieutenant seems to have light wounds, they do not appear to be serious injuries. None of them They are in danger, their injuries are not serious. Fortunately, things happened in the right direction even if what happened is unacceptable and intolerable.”
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How might recent attacks on UNIFIL forces impact future Italian military and diplomatic engagement in the region?
**Interview with Expert on Italian UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon**
**Host:** Today, we’re joined by Dr. Marco Valenti, an expert on international relations and peacekeeping missions, to discuss the recent attack on the Italian UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon. Dr. Valenti, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Valenti:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s begin with the recent incident where two rockets were fired at the Italian UNIFIL base, injuring four soldiers. Can you explain the significance of this attack in the context of peacekeeping operations in Lebanon?
**Dr. Valenti:** Certainly. This attack underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and highlights the challenges faced by peacekeeping forces, particularly UNIFIL. The fact that this base was targeted suggests that non-state actors, like Hezbollah, continue to influence security dynamics in southern Lebanon. The wounded soldiers are a stark reminder of the risks these peacekeepers face while trying to maintain stability.
**Host:** The Italian government has expressed indignation and concern over these attacks. How do you think this might affect Italy’s involvement in the mission?
**Dr. Valenti:** Italy has a long-standing commitment to UNIFIL, and the government’s swift response shows its resolve to support the troops. While this incident may raise concerns about the safety of Italian soldiers, I believe it will also reinforce Italy’s commitment to the mission. The Italian government will likely emphasize that such attacks are unacceptable, while also seeking a firmer diplomatic approach to ensure the safety of its soldiers.
**Host:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto mentioned the need to avoid using UNIFIL bases as shields. Can you elaborate on what this means and its implications?
**Dr. Valenti:** This statement indicates a growing frustration with the escalating violence and the use of peacekeeping missions as a cover by militant groups. If UNIFIL bases are perceived as being leveraged by either party, it compromises the integrity of the mission. The implication is that the international community must work together to ensure that peacekeeping forces remain neutral and that they are not placed in harm’s way because of the actions of armed groups.
**Host:** what can be done to improve the safety and effectiveness of UNIFIL missions in such hostile environments?
**Dr. Valenti:** Strengthening cooperation between the Lebanese government and UNIFIL is essential. There needs to be a clear commitment from all parties involved—not only to protect peacekeepers but also to engage in constructive dialog to resolve underlying tensions. Additionally, improving intelligence sharing and crisis response mechanisms will be crucial to preventing future attacks and ensuring the safety of both peacekeepers and civilians.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Valenti, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s essential to understand the complexities of these peacekeeping missions, especially in such volatile regions.
**Dr. Valenti:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to continue highlighting these issues as we seek to support international peacekeeping efforts.
