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 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. Indifferent Moscow. 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 recent attacks on UNIFIL personnel impact international perceptions of peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Given the recent attacks on the UNIFIL base in Lebanon and the injury of Italian soldiers, how do you assess the current situation?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. The attacks on peacekeeping forces, as reiterated by UNIFIL, represent a serious violation of international law. The fact that these attacks have resulted in injuries to military personnel is alarming and underscores the dangerous environment in which peacekeepers operate.
**Interviewer:** Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attacks as intolerable and expressed the need for protection of UNIFIL personnel. What implications does this have for Italy’s role in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy’s commitment to the UNIFIL mission is significant for stability in southern Lebanon. By condemning the attacks firmly, the Italian government is highlighting its role as a peacekeeper. However, this also puts pressure on Italy to ensure the safety of its troops and to engage diplomatically on all fronts, particularly with both Hezbollah and Israel.
**Interviewer:** There has also been an announcement of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli officials for alleged war crimes. What are your thoughts on this development, especially in light of comments from US President Joe Biden?
**Dr. Rossi:** The ICC warrants add another layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation. While some may view this as a necessary step towards accountability, others, including key allies like the US, see it as an unjust act that could undermine Israel’s security. This division among Western nations may further complicate diplomatic efforts in the region.
**Interviewer:** With leaders like Giorgia Meloni expressing profound indignation and urging for the protection of peacekeepers, what do you foresee as the next steps for Italy and the EU in addressing these challenges?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy will likely engage in intensified diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of its forces and work with the EU to formulate a cohesive response. There’s a strong need for collective action to address the violence and to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on peacekeepers. The EU’s voice will be critical in promoting stability and urging both sides to reduce hostilities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rossi. It’s clear that the peace and security of the region depend on careful diplomacy and collaboration among international players.
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely. It is crucial for all involved to prioritize dialog and the safety of civilians and peacekeepers alike. Thank you for having me.