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 impact do attacks on peacekeepers, like the recent rocket strike in southern Lebanon, have on international peacekeeping missions in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Alessandro Rossi, Middle East Security Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Recently, four Italian soldiers were injured in a rocket attack at the UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon. What can you tell us about the significance of this incident?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. This attack is particularly alarming as it highlights the ongoing instability and increasing hostilities in the region. UNIFIL’s mission in Lebanon, primarily to ensure peace and stability, is being seriously threatened by such attacks. This incident underscores the challenges international peacekeepers face, especially in volatile environments where militant groups like Hezbollah operate.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has expressed outrage over this attack. How important is it for national governments to respond strongly to such incidents?
**Dr. Rossi:** It’s crucial for national governments to show solidarity and support for their troops abroad. As indicated by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s statements, expressing indignation and calling for accountability is part of maintaining morale among the troops and the families of those impacted. It also sends a clear message to both the local populace and international community that attacks on peacekeepers are intolerable.
**Interviewer:** The rockets reportedly fired could belong to Hezbollah. How does this complicate the security situation in Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** If Hezbollah is indeed behind the attack, it complicates the politics of the region significantly. UNIFIL has a mandate that includes being a buffer between conflicting parties, but frequent attacks undermine its authority and ability to operate effectively. Additionally, there could be repercussions for Lebanese governance; the government must assert control over non-state actors like Hezbollah to prevent further destabilization.
**Interviewer:** The Italian Defense Minister mentioned reaching out to the new Israeli Defense Minister regarding the protection of UNIFIL bases. What role does Israel play in the current dynamics in Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** Israel plays a critical role in Lebanon’s security dynamics due to its historical tensions with Hezbollah. The two countries are technically still at war, and any actions by Israel can escalate tensions. The appeal for cooperation from the new Israeli government suggests a need for clarity and assurance that UNIFIL forces are not inadvertently caught in crossfire or used as shields in broader conflicts.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what steps can be taken to ensure the safety of peacekeepers in hazardous zones like southern Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** Ensuring the safety of peacekeepers requires a multi-faceted approach. First, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to engage all relevant parties to de-escalate tensions. Second, UNIFIL must have clear rules of engagement and robust countermeasures to protect its personnel. ongoing dialog with both Lebanese authorities and local communities can foster conditions that reduce animosity toward peacekeepers and increase cooperation for safety and security.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights on this troubling situation.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me, and let’s hope for a swift improvement in conditions for all those involved.
