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 at 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 Italian soldiers who were injured, 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 can international diplomatic efforts effectively address the ongoing security challenges posed by militant groups like Hezbollah in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Alessandro Rossi, Middle East Security Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. The recent attack on the Unifil base in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to Italian soldiers, has raised significant alarm. Can you provide us with your insights on the situation?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The incident is deeply concerning, not only because it injured troops engaged in a peacekeeping mission but also because it highlights the ongoing instability in the region. The use of rockets, reportedly fired from Lebanese territory, signals an escalation in tensions potentially linked to groups like Hezbollah.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has expressed solidarity with the wounded soldiers and condemned the attacks. What implications does this have for international peacekeeping efforts in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Italy’s strong rebuke reflects a deep commitment to its peacekeeping role, but it also underscores the challenges Unifil faces in maintaining stability. The increasing threats to peacekeeping forces complicate their mission and may lead to calls for a reevaluation of their operational parameters. The solidarity expressed by the government is also crucial for morale, but the situation is far from simple.
**Interviewer:** Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto mentioned contacting his Lebanese counterpart about the situation. How effective do you believe diplomatic efforts can be in addressing these security issues?
**Dr. Rossi:** Diplomatic dialog is essential, but its effectiveness can be contingent upon the political dynamics within Lebanon itself. There are numerous factions at play, and while the Lebanese government may seek to maintain stability, it often finds it difficult to control militant groups. The international community needs to support Lebanon in its governance, but solutions must be comprehensive and focus on long-term stability.
**Interviewer:** Given the presence of Hezbollah and other militant groups, what are the realistic prospects for peace in southern Lebanon?
**Dr. Rossi:** The path to peace is fraught with challenges. While there are pro-peace elements within Lebanon, the presence of armed groups like Hezbollah poses a persistent threat to peacekeeping operations. A multi-faceted approach that involves regional cooperation, social development, and addressing the underlying grievances within the populace may provide a more sustainable path forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It seems that the situation in Lebanon will require careful navigation as peacekeepers continue to operate in increasingly dangerous conditions.
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely. The commitment to peace must remain strong, and it’s vital that all parties work towards a more secure environment not just for peacekeepers but for the civilian population as well. Thank you for having me.