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.
Video on this topic
“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.”
#Unacceptable #hand #attack #Tempo
What are the potential consequences of the recent attacks on Italian UNIFIL peacekeepers for the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon?
**Interview with Defense Analyst Dr. Lucia Rossi on Recent Attacks Against Italian UNIFIL Peacekeepers**
**Host:** Welcome to our program, Dr. Rossi. Today, we want to discuss the recent attacks on the Italian contingent of UNIFIL in Lebanon, where four soldiers were injured when two rockets reportedly fired by Hezbollah struck their base. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s deeply concerning to see incidents like this occur, especially given the role UNIFIL plays in maintaining peace and stability in a volatile region. This attack not only threatens the safety of the peacekeepers but also undermines the broader peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon.
**Host:** The Italian government has expressed solidarity with the injured soldiers, denouncing the attacks as unacceptable. How important is this support from the government in terms of morale for the troops on the ground?
**Dr. Rossi:** Government support is crucial for troop morale. It reassures soldiers that their sacrifices and the dangers they face are recognized and valued back home. Statements from leaders like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni send a message of solidarity not only to the soldiers but also to their families, showing that the government is actively engaged in protecting their interests.
**Host:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto emphasized the need to ensure that UNIFIL does not become a target for militia groups. What measures do you think can be taken to enhance the security of these peacekeepers?
**Dr. Rossi:** Increased coordination with Lebanese authorities is vital. The Lebanese government must demonstrate a commitment to security in areas where peacekeepers operate. Moreover, enhancing operational protocols, conducting regular safety drills, and possibly increasing the number of peacekeepers or military assets in harm’s way could deter future attacks. Diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries, particularly Israel, is also essential to prevent the misuse of UNIFIL bases in ongoing conflicts.
**Host:** There are reports suggesting that Hezbollah might be behind these rockets. What implications does this have for the security situation in southern Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** If Hezbollah was indeed behind this attack, it underscores the complexity of the region’s security landscape. It implies a willingness to escalate tensions and possibly draw in international responses. The presence of such armed groups poses a direct threat not only to peacekeepers but also to the Lebanese civilians caught in the crossfire of these conflicts, further complicating any efforts for long-term stability.
**Host:** How can the international community respond effectively to incidents like this while supporting peacekeeping missions?
**Dr. Rossi:** The international community needs to maintain a consistent stance against attacks on peacekeepers. This can include stronger condemnations from global leaders, reinforcing mandates for peacekeeping missions with appropriate resources, and potentially increasing sanctions on parties that violate international laws. Moreover, fostering dialog among conflicting parties can help alleviate tensions and pave the way for diplomatic solutions.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rossi. The situation in southern Lebanon remains precarious, and we appreciate your analysis of these critical issues.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to continue monitoring these developments closely as the safety of both peacekeepers and civilians hangs in the balance.
