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 you evaluate the role of international law in protecting peacekeepers during conflicts, as discussed in recent events involving Unifil in Lebanon?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rossi. Let’s start with the recent attacks on the Unifil mission in southern Lebanon. What does this signify for international peacekeeping efforts in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The attacks on the Unifil mission, particularly the one that resulted in injuries to Italian soldiers, highlight the extreme volatility of the region. Such assaults not only violate international law but also undermine the peacekeeping mandate of UN missions. The fact that soldiers who are there to maintain peace are being targeted is deeply concerning and a clear indication that stability is fragile.
**Interviewer:** The Italian government has expressed outrage over these attacks. How significant is the reaction from European officials, like EU High Representative Josep Borrell, who called the attacks “serious and unacceptable violations of international law”?
**Dr. Rossi:** The reaction from European officials is crucial. It showcases solidarity with peacekeeping forces and emphasizes that these attacks will not be tolerated. Borrell’s strong statement reflects the broader European stance on the necessity of protecting peacekeepers under international law. Such unity is essential to maintain the credibility of international institutions and peacekeeping efforts.
**Interviewer:** Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, which has been met with mixed reactions, especially from the United States. How do you see this affecting international relations regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**Dr. Rossi:** The issuance of arrest warrants against high-ranking Israeli officials complicates the already tense dynamics in the region. It reflects a polarized view among Western nations. President Biden’s comments indicate a strong allyship with Israel; however, the warrants may embolden critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. it illustrates a deepening divide within the West about how to address the ongoing conflict and raises questions about accountability and justice.
**Interviewer:** Defense Minister Guido Crosetto spoke about the need for the Italian military to be safeguarded and condemned using peacekeepers as a shield. What implications does this have for the actions of both Hezbollah and Israel?
**Dr. Rossi:** Crosetto’s remarks underscore an important principle in international conflicts—military actions cannot use civilian or peacekeeping forces as cover. This calls for both Hezbollah and Israel to ensure the safety of peacekeeping missions. If either side disregards this principle, it risks escalating violence and complicating peace processes. It also places pressure on the international community to intervene and protect those fulfilling humanitarian roles.
**Interviewer:** In light of these developments, what steps do you think the international community should take to address the ongoing conflicts and protect peacekeepers?
**Dr. Rossi:** The international community must act decisively to uphold international law. This includes reinforcing the mandates and protections for peacekeepers and ensuring accountability for those who attack them. Diplomatic avenues should be pursued to foster dialogue between conflicting parties. Additionally, collaboration with local governments and organizations is essential to create a safer environment for peacekeepers and civilians alike.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi. Your insights help clarify the complexities of these international occurrences and the importance of a unified response.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue to engage in these discussions as the situation evolves.