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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What are the potential implications of Hezbollah’s involvement in the recent attacks on UNIFIL for the stability of Lebanon and its relationships with international peacekeeping forces?
**Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Luca Rossi on Recent Attacks Against UNIFIL**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent attacks on the Italian UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon.
**Dr. Rossi:** Good evening. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Can you share your thoughts on the significance of these rocket attacks, particularly in the context of the ongoing peacekeeping mission in Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** Certainly. The attacks on the UNIFIL base highlight a troubling trend of increasing hostility towards international peacekeeping forces. This incident, resulting in injuries to four Italian soldiers, not only poses a direct threat to the safety of those personnel but also undermines the broader mission of maintaining stability in the region. These types of escalations disrupt peace efforts and raise questions about the security of UNIFIL’s operations.
**Interviewer:** Reports suggest that the rockets may have originated from Hezbollah. What does this imply for future relations among the various groups in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** If Hezbollah is indeed responsible, it reflects their continuing defiance of international engagement in Lebanon. This could further strain relationships between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, as well as complicate interactions with international actors, including the UN and the Italian military. It puts additional pressure on peacekeeping forces and challenges the mandate of UNIFIL to operate safely.
**Interviewer:** Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her outrage over the attacks and called for accountability. How important is international support for UNIFIL in these situations?
**Dr. Rossi:** International support is crucial. The effectiveness of UNIFIL and its peacekeeping mission heavily relies on the backing of the international community. With strong statements and actions from leaders like Prime Minister Meloni, it sends a message that attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and that there will be consequences. It can galvanize diplomatic efforts to hold accountable those responsible for these assaults and reassure the soldiers on the ground that their sacrifices are recognized and valued.
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing volatility in the region, what measures could be taken to enhance the safety of UNIFIL personnel?
**Dr. Rossi:** Enhancing safety would require both procedural adjustments and political engagement. Better intelligence sharing and coordination with local Lebanese security forces can improve situational awareness. Moreover, diplomatic channels must remain open to de-escalate tensions and foster cooperation among all parties. Increasing the visible presence of peacekeepers and fortifying their bases could also be strategic in deterring further attacks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on this critical issue. We hope for the safety of all personnel involved in UNIFIL’s mission.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a swift resolution to the violence and a restoration of peace in the region.