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 the 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. Moscow is indifferent. 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 you assess the implications of the recent attacks on UN peacekeeping forces, particularly the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, for international peacekeeping efforts?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi. We’ve seen increasing tensions in the region, especially with the recent attacks on the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon and the ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. What are your thoughts on these developments?
**Dr. Rossi**: It’s a complex situation. The attack on the UNIFIL base that injured Italian soldiers highlights the ongoing instability in southern Lebanon. Any assault on peacekeepers is a serious concern, as it undermines international efforts to maintain peace in the region. The response from the Italian government has been appropriate, recognizing these attacks as violations of international law.
**Interviewer**: Indeed, the Italian government has expressed strong condemnation. What do you make of the broader international response, particularly from the United States regarding the ICC’s warrants against Israeli officials?
**Dr. Rossi**: The U.S. response is not surprising, given its historical alignment with Israel. President Biden’s remarks reflect a deeply rooted political stance that separates Israeli military actions from those of Hamas. This dichotomy can complicate the narrative and response mechanisms at an international level. It also underscores the divisions within the West concerning how to address violations of international law.
**Interviewer**: With the ICC’s actions and the condemnation from various leaders, do you think there’s a chance for accountability and reform in the region?
**Dr. Rossi**: There is always a chance for accountability, but it will require significant political will, both from local actors and the international community. The divided opinions on the ICC’s jurisdiction and legitimacy make it challenging. For lasting reform, there must be genuine commitment from both sides to engage in dialog and seek peace rather than escalation.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what steps could be taken to ensure the safety of peacekeeping forces like UNIFIL in such a volatile environment?
**Dr. Rossi**: Ensuring their safety requires collaborative efforts from all parties involved. This means that not only must peacekeepers be given the necessary protections under international law, but all stakeholders—including Hezbollah and Israel—must commit to avoiding conflict near peacekeeping zones. Increased diplomatic engagements and stricter enforcement of international laws could also help create a safer environment for these forces.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. We hope for a peaceful resolution to these tensions.
